Follow up to Sins of the Heart and Traps of the Heart. What if at the end of S2 Marian had married Guy, thinking Robin dead. Marian still loves Robin, Guy is still in thrall to the Sheriff and Isabella is as mischievous as ever.

Title: Sins of the Heart Part Eight

Disclaimer: All original characters belong to BBC/Tiger Aspect

A/N: Big thank you to jadey36 for the read through and pointers.

Previously

Tomorrow they would go down a tunnel, tomorrow they would risk their lives. Robin and the gang for England, for Nottingham; Guy for his love, his Marian.

And Marian? She was doing it for them both, her one last gift to Robin, the man she loved so much, but could never hold again. And for Guy, her husband, the man she betrayed, the man she had come to love, to give him the means to start a new life.

But as Marian shifted uncomfortably on the hard bunk she was suddenly sharply aware of how alone she felt. No warm body next to her, no strong arms to possessively hold her, no muscular body to comfort her. Marian missed it and like a knife through her heart an image of both men felled by swords flashed before her eyes. Her blood ran cold, making her shiver even more as she furiously willed the image out of her mind.

Tomorrow they would go down the tunnel. Tomorrow Marian's idea would risk all their lives.

Sins of the Heart Part Eight

The trap door under the gravestone that served as the entrance to the tunnel was small, even for Marian to squeeze through. Guy had led them to the churchyard just after dawn and after checking various headstones had found the one he was looking for.

Mistrust and suspicion was rank between Guy and the others. Much had insisted on Guy going in first, pulling Robin back and protesting that his master might be walking into a trap. With a curse and a foul glare Guy had complied, and was swiftly followed by Robin, Marian, Allan, Much and finally Little John.

Allan and Marian held aloft torches, and as she surveyed the tunnel Marian was pleasantly surprised by how big it was. She had expected some kind of muddy, pokey hole, not something they could all easily stand in.

'So, which way?' Much asked, trying to sound bright,

'This way, the only way,' was Guy's ill-tempered reply. Marian heard Robin mutter something, but said nothing, instead gently nudging Guy forwards and concentrating on holding her torch aloft.

They made their way along the tunnel in near silence, but for the occasional remark about the size of the tunnel from one of the gang. It was a surprisingly long passage, extending for nearly half a mile. Marian marvelled at the feat of building it and that Guy had never mentioned such an achievement to her. She also wondered how many men it had taken to build and just how many Guy had silenced. The thought made her blood run cold and she picked up her pace a little so she was no longer walking side by side with her husband.

Marian didn't like it in the tunnel, the stone pillars were damp, seemed to emanate a coldness and darkness; decay pervaded the place. It smelt too, that dark smell of damp, rancour and death. She was glad of the torch she carried, it helped her face her fear of what was to come. She briefly caught glimpses of Robin's face, even in the torchlight she could see the steely determination in his eyes as he led them. She wondered if he was ever afraid, if he found the dark frightening as she did. And her husband, his face was stony – grim, unreadable.

After they had been walking for some time Guy suddenly called them to a halt.

'Here,' he said, his voice echoing eerily in the tunnel. Marian looked around, there was water dripping from somewhere, she smelt the green slime on the walls even though she couldn't see it. She stopped looking around, the tunnel made her skin crawl. Instead she focused on her husband and his imperious profile. He looked impressive, now he was on the right side Marian could admire his commanding presence without guilt.

'This is the door,' Guy said, indicating a small wooden panel none of them had seen.

'Alright, let's go,' Robin said, pulling an arrow from his quiver in readiness. 'I'll go first.'

'No!' Marian cried suddenly. 'If you go first and you're spotted, we're all caught immediately. We don't know who is on the other side of that door; let me go first, if I am spotted it will not raise the alarm.'

'No,' Guy immediately barked, laying his hand heavily on her shoulder.

'Gisborne's right,' Robin agreed, 'we are going to keep you safe no matter what.'

'By coddling me like a child? May I remind both of you I was the Night Watchman for years,' she shrugged Guy's hand off her. 'Long before you came back, Robin.'

'I forbid it,' Guy snapped, he was clearly tense and in no mood for arguments.

'Guy, I can take care of myself and may I remind you that I gave you a run for your money often enough, so if I do run into trouble I can take care of myself. I am armed.'

'Not bein' funny, you two,' Allan piped up nervously, 'but she's got a point. Look, you may not like it, but Marian can look after herself. And we're ready to back her up.'

'Thank you, Allan,' Marian said with satisfaction, pleased that at least one of them seemed to remember her prowess as the Night Watchman.

'Alright,' Robin relented, 'but I'm right behind you.'

'No,' Guy growled, 'I will be.'

Marian could see the deathly glares they were giving each other and sighed. She shook her head and passed her torch to Much.

'I'll knock three times when the coast's clear,' she told them all, laying her hand on the stiff latch.

Marian slipped out into the corridor silently, she peered down the long, narrow passage way and let out a deep breath. It was empty. There was a small alcove leading to a staircase, but other than that nothing. No guards, no servants, not so much as a mouse. She smiled to herself and walked to the end of the corridor, peered around the corner and caught her breath.

A guard, alone, with his back to her. Marian's heart raced. He didn't know she was there. She pressed herself against the wall and waited, perhaps another was lurking. But after a few moments it became apparent he was by himself. Marian knew what she must do. She lifted an unlit torch from its bracket on the wall and gripping it tightly with both hands, brought it crashing down on the guard's head.

The man gave a startled cry, slumped to the floor and groaned before falling silent. Marian breathed again and returned the torch to its home, before scurrying back along the corridor and knocking three times on the little door.

Robin was the first through, she smiled at him and nodded, then felt a stab of pain as he averted his eyes from her, unable to bear her smiles. She had no time to dwell on the pain she'd caused him though as he was swiftly followed by Guy, who immediately stood at her side, a possessive arm around her shoulder and then Much, Allan and Little John bringing up the rear.

It was now Guy who fell into the lead. He knew the castle and strode purposefully towards the strong room, sword drawn, face grim. He came to a sudden halt as they turned the corner and came across the unconscious guard.

'Robin,' Guy barked, 'what do you think?'

'Not sure,' Robin said, bending down to inspect the guard. 'Don't they usually patrol in pairs?'

'Yes. I want to know how this happened, if someone else is here – Isabella, or – '

'It wasn't Isabella, it was me,' Marian said trying to keep her voice even. 'I told you I can look after myself.'

'So it would seem,' Guy muttered.

'Well, I knocked him out, he was alone. Now, are you two going to stand here gossiping all day?'

Marian suppressed a smile as Allan and Much sniggered behind them. They were quickly silenced by a deadly glare from Guy though, his eyes flashing with that dangerous anger nobody wanted to invoke. Robin merely shook his head in annoyance and concentrated on the task in hand.

With no further words Guy led them on, stepping past the unconscious guard, followed by Robin and then the others. Something was bothering Marian, it was quiet, too quiet. Guy had expected at least four guards in this corridor, yet there were none. She had an uneasy feeling.

'Robin,' she whispered, 'where is everyone? Guy said there would be guards.'

'Don't worry,' Robin replied without looking at her, 'if there is one thing I've learnt about being an outlaw, it's that if things are going your way, don't question it.'

'Yeah, make the most of it,' Allan chipped in. 'Even we get good luck now and again, Marian.'

Marian nodded, she supposed Robin knew more about these things than her, but the niggling feeling that something was wrong would not leave her.

It wasn't long before they were standing outside the strong room. Marian nearly carried on walking as all the others stopped. Guy placed a hand on her arm, stilling her. She remembered that she was the only one who hadn't been here before. Guy was now holding his hand out, demanding the key. Marian reached into her skirts and retrieved it, placing it carefully in his open palm.

'Okay,' Robin began, 'when Gisborne unsets the traps I'll go in first, when we're sure it's safe, you can follow and we'll load up the sacks, then we get out of here as quickly as possible.'

Guy said nothing, instead he placed the key in a metal dial beside the door. There were several cogs beside the key hole and all gleamed, their metal bright against the dull stone.

'Stand back,' he ordered as he began to turn the key. Marian watched fascinated at the craftsmanship that had gone into this strong room, she felt like a wide-eyed little girl as she saw the cogs move as Guy turned the key once. The cogs all moved and there were several clicks as the traps were reset. Guy turned the key once more and with several more clicks and a dull clunk the dials turned and stopped. The traps were disabled. The room was safe.

Guy withdrew the key from the dial and inserted it in the door, he turned it, wiggling the key slightly with the practised hand of one who knew the lock well. When he turned the handle Marian could not help but step forward in wonder. There was not one chest at the far end of the room, but four. This was going to be a far bigger haul than any of them could have hoped for. She took another step forward and felt a hand on her shoulder.

'Marian, careful,' Robin warned.

'Get your hands off her,' Guy growled dangerously. Robin quickly withdrew his hand and scowled back at Guy. He muttered something inaudible and then blew out a breath, readying himself for the task ahead.

'Right, after me,' Robin said stepping towards the chests at the far end of the room.

They were all busily scooping handfuls of coins into the sacks they had brought with them. All of them were grinning broadly as they worked. Marian marvelled at how the presence of so much gold could bring smiles to the faces of the worst of enemies.

'Careful,' Robin warned Much, 'we need to be able to carry these back. Make sure they can still be closed, we don't need to leave a trail of coins for them to follow.'

Much nodded and laughed. 'This is amazing, possibly the best robbery ever.'

'Don't speak too soon,' Little John warned, ever cautious, 'we need to get out of here first. The guards might come back.'

'Guards?' Allan laughed. 'Piece of cake, if Marian managed to knock one out, I reckon Much might even manage it.'

'I'll have you know I've knocked out many a guard,' Much said indignantly as Robin and Marian laughed and John shook his head. Only Guy's face remained impassive.

'It doesn't count if they smelt your cooking,' Allan retorted to more laughter. Much began to speak then shook his head.

'One day you'll be glad of my cooking, Allan.'

'If I acquire a taste for over-cooked squirrel I'll let you know.'

'I do not cook squirrel! Well, Mr Know-it-all, perhaps you'd like to catch dinner next time?'

Amidst their mirth Robin held up a hand. 'Leave him be, Allan.' Robin turned to Much, his face still merry. 'Much, my friend, tonight we'll have enough coin to buy our food, so you can have the night off.'

'I should hope so too,' Much huffed as he tied his sack.

'Are we all done?' Guy asked, standing up and strapping his sack to his back. He was clearly irritated by the gang's chatter and Marian's amusement at their bickering. 'We should go as quickly as possible.'

'He's right,' Robin said seriously. 'Come on, lads, let's make a move.'

'But there's so much left!' Much cried, looking at another large unopened chest, his eyes wide.

'Well, perhaps we'll come back another day,' Robin smiled, hauling his own sack up and strapping it to his back. 'Come on, time to go.'

They all reluctantly stood to leave, making sure their sacks were securely strapped to their backs. Guy helped Marian with hers. She felt uncomfortable as he lifted her hair to secure the bag. It felt intimate and it felt wrong to be intimate with Guy in front of Robin. She took a firm step forwards as soon as he was done.

They were leaving the room and were about to close the door when Allan spoke. 'Robin, we should have a look in that other chest.'

'We have enough,' Robin said, his voice giving away his edginess.

'I reckon I could manage a little more and you never know, it might be jewels, lighter than gold. Go on, Robin, it's worth a look.'

Robin looked at Much. 'It'll only take a minute to look, while we're here,' Much said nodding. Robin looked at John who nodded, then Marian. Marian simply shrugged.

'Up to you,' she said quietly, she really felt they should get going, but didn't want to defy what were clearly the gang's wishes.

'Alright, someone come with me and hold the sack open.' Allan grinned victoriously at Robin's words and threw him an empty sack.

'I will,' Guy stepped forward, his voice harsh. He was the only one Robin hadn't consulted.

'What, don't you trust me?' Robin said, a sudden snarl in his voice.

'No,' Guy hissed brushing past Robin back into the strong room.

Marian watched as the two men walked back into the room. She had an uneasy knot in her stomach, wanted nothing more than to get back in the tunnel and away to safety as soon as possible. The last chest was resting on a stone ledge, Robin and Guy were now stood before it, they looked at one another as Robin lifted the lid. Both men peered inside.

'Nothing,' Robin called, 'it's empty.'

'I don't remember an empty chest,' Guy said, his head whipping up. 'Someone's been in here recently.'

Robin met Guy's eyes as they both turned to leave. As they did an almighty crash came from above their heads. Marian screamed, but her cry was drowned out by the noise of the men's cries and what seemed like a ton of white descending upon them.

Marian watched in horror as the room filled with seemingly endless small, white pebbles. Lime – tons of it from a trap above the last chest. The chest must have been a trap, if it was Guy certainly didn't know about it, which meant it was new, which also meant someone knew they were coming.

But that was a secondary concern, the more pressing concern was the fact that the room was swiftly filling up and Robin and Guy were disappearing underneath a white avalanche.

Little John had now waded into the room, trying in vain to clear through the pile with his staff. The pile had now reached Robin's shoulders and he was clearly struggling to move. Guy was further back and was struggling to keep his head clear, his face strained and his curses giving way to desperately calling Marian's name.

'Give me your hand, Robin! You must lift your hand!' John was shouting to his leader, holding out his staff for Robin to hold onto.

After what seemed like an age Robin managed to free his arm and grasp John's staff. Marian's heart was in her mouth as she watched John struggle with all his might to pull Robin free. She had seen Robin fighting for his life before, it never got any easier. She was cruelly reminded of the times Robin had been captured and paraded by the Sheriff, facing imminent death, always escaping in the nick of time. How much luck could one man have, she wondered.

As Robin stumbled out from the ever-growing pile relief swept over Marian. Her relief was momentary, however, as she saw that Guy was fast disappearing. White pebbles raining down on him, his black hair just visible.

Little John was standing still, staff in hand, unsure of what move to make next.

'Guy!' Marian cried, pushing past John and Robin and throwing herself at the steep heap of lime desperately trying to save her husband, the man no-one else seemed to think worth saving.

Marian clawed at the heap with her bare hands, her black dress now grey with the white powder coming off in little clouds from the lime. She could feel it burning her throat and nose, coughed and continued to try and claw her way to Guy.

'Hold on,' she shouted, 'I won't leave you, Guy.'

Marian was making little headway, for every handful she moved, another ten fell from above. She couldn't do this alone, but the gang stood in the doorway, unwilling to move and risk their lives for a man they loathed.

Marian was near screaming with frustration when she noticed another person alongside her. Robin. He was helping even as his friends called for him to hurry, he was too trying to make a path to reach Guy. Marian's heart soared, her brave Robin was coming to the rescue again, risking his life for his enemy because he would not leave anyone to die, not when they could be saved. As Marian watched the beads of sweat on his forehead make little tracks on his dust covered face she didn't think she had ever loved anyone so much in her life.

Robin stopped for a moment, wiped his forehead and shook his head.

'This won't work,' he said to himself as much as to Marian. Marian felt her stomach drop, she couldn't leave Guy, she just couldn't.

'No, Robin, please,' she begged.

'This won't work,' Robin repeated looking at Marian trying to shovel the lime with her bare hands, but as he drew an arrow from his quiver he said, 'but this might.' Marian looked at him quizzically. 'Much, throw me that rope. Now!' he bellowed at his friend. Much swiftly obeyed and in no time Robin had secured the rope to the arrow and sent in flying into the air where it looped itself around a wooden beam on the ceiling. Robin made a loop with one end and threaded the other end through it, pulling tight, lassoing the rope to the beam.

'We need to get to the top to pull Gisborne out, we'll never move this lot,' Robin said indicating the small mountain of lime, that although it had finally stopped growing, had almost engulfed Guy entirely. Marian could hear him gasping and choking for air now that the incessant clatter of the falling stones had ceased.

She held her breath as Robin tested the rope's strength, then began to climb it until he reached the top of the pile of lime, just where the top of Guy's head was poking out, his black hair now greyed with the white dust.

Robin began frantically clearing the lime from around Guy's head, as Guy spluttered and spat out the gritty grains in his mouth he could not have looked more shocked at the identity of his saviour.

'Wriggle your arm up,' Robin urged whilst himself holding onto the rope. 'Come on, Gisborne! You can do this, don't you give up now.' Guy was panicked, he couldn't free his arm. Robin frantically shovelled more of the lime away. 'Come on! Move that arm, do it for Marian, she rushed in to save you, don't give up on her, not now.'

Whether it was Robin's words giving Guy the strength to move or the fact Robin had shifted more of Guy's white prison Marian would never know, but somehow in that moment Guy managed to wrest his arm free. Robin grabbed it with both of his, hooking his arm over the rope as he did so. With several heaves and tugs and a great deal of grunts and cries from both of them, Guy was finally free.

Guy looked at Robin curiously as they both sat panting atop the mountain of lime. 'You saved me,' he said gruffly. 'Why?'

'It's what I do, Gisborne,' Robin replied holding his gaze. 'It's what makes me different to you.'

Guy said nothing, but looked at Robin as if seeing him in a different light for the first time. Marian watched them regarding each other as they regained their breath. They were both looking at each other with something other than hostility for the first time Marian could remember.

'Thank you,' Guy finally said, before he stared at his hands embarrassed.

'Come on, Gisborne, we're not out of this yet.' Robin then grinned. 'Slide down shall we? It might even be fun.'

Guy opened his mouth as if he was about to protest at Robin's ability to smile in such a situation. But then he smiled too, nodded and they both slid, somewhat awkwardly, down the great pile of lime and landed unceremoniously at Marian's feet.

'You know what this means?' Marian said looking down. Now both men were safe she could think clearly again and like a lioness anger roared in her belly. 'They knew we were coming. Isabella knew, she betrayed us.'

The look she gave them was hard, a hint of her old superiority returned. Marian had felt unable to employ her haughty glare as so often did before her marriage, when the moral high ground was hers. But the urge to tell them 'I told you so,' was too strong.

'I told you she couldn't be trusted,' Marian declared, feeling both furious and victorious at Isabella's betrayal.

'Never mind all that,' Little John shouted from behind them. 'The important thing is –'

'Is what?' Marian asked as the barks of dogs cut him off.

'Is to run!' Robin shouted leaping to his feet and pulling Guy up behind him.

They ran for their lives, along the passageway, around the corner and through the small door that led to the tunnel. Robin held the door open and shepherded the others through; first Guy and Marian, then Allan and Much and finally Little John heaved his great frame through the narrow doorway and Robin himself disappeared into the shadowy tunnel once more.

Allan and Marian were once again holding aloft the torches they had left just inside the doorway. The flickering light was enough to see the shining, breathless faces of the gang. Even Guy looked pleased. They had made it.

'We did it!' Much cried jubilantly. 'We actually got away with it.'

'There's a long way back to Sherwood,' Robin cautioned, but he was still smiling. The weight of the gold on their backs and Robin and Guy's lucky escape had lifted their spirits. Marian smiled too, Robin's brave rescue of her husband had lessened the rancour between them considerably. She watched her now ex-lover's face, he smiled, but dim as the light was she could not see the usual twinkle in his eyes. His hurt was deep, yet he had saved Guy nonetheless. Because he was Robin Hood. A good and brave man. It was enough to tear her heart out.

'Come on,' Guy called, he was already walking into the dark passage way. 'We need to move and get to safety.' His voice was commanding, the gruff order of a leader of men. For once the gang followed him; Guy was right they needed to get to safety. Marian fell into step beside him as they made the long, dark walk to the end of the tunnel, their euphoria at escaping the castle evaporating quickly in the oppressive gloom of the tunnel.

Marian was relieved when she saw the light coming from the end of the tunnel. She hated this passageway and would not feel safe until they were back under the leafy green of Sherwood.

'Look, we're nearly there,' she murmured to Guy.

'How can you tell?' he asked, halting and staring ahead.

'That light, from the entrance.'

'We closed the trap after us,' Guy said with a note of panic in his voice. 'Marian, we closed the trap door.'

Marian's stomach lurched. There was a light ahead and there shouldn't be.

'Robin,' Guy said in a low voice. 'What do you think?'

It was strange hearing Guy call Robin by his first name and even in this dangerous moment it lifted Marian's heart that his hatred has eased enough to use it.

'I don't know. We shut it, didn't we, John?'

'Yes,' the big man replied. Marian looked around at their faces. They were a mixture of both fear and curiosity. 'This is not good,' John growled. 'Robin, what do we do?'

'Keep going,' Robin said resolutely. 'Draw your weapons, hold onto the torches as long as we can, give me enough light to aim.'

Marian nodded and drew her dagger as Guy unsheathed his sword and Robin nocked an arrow.

'In two rows, Much, you have a bow, so come to the front on my right, Gisborne on my left,' Robin nodded at Guy. Marian was surprised he wanted Guy alongside him, but there was no denying Guy's skill with a blade and Robin knew, as she did, he would fight to the death for his wife.

'Allan and John, you bring up the rear and protect Marian. We all protect Marian for as long as we can.'

Marian began to speak, but Robin held up his hand silencing her. 'I know you can fight, but I do not want you hurt, you do not fight unless there is no other option.' Robin was stern, commanding.

'But –' she began.

'Do as you're told,' Guy snapped, before laying a gentle hand on her shoulder. 'I will protect you,' he said more softly.

Marian nodded, now was not the time to debate, there was no time. Weapons drawn they edged down the tunnel more cautiously, each apprehensive about what lay ahead.

They didn't have long to wait until they saw the light from the door bouncing off the metal helmets of six soldiers. Not castle guards, but Prince John's men. Their eyes blackened, the royal insignia upon their chest. Marian even recognised one of them as they drew closer, the man who had escorted Isabella home on occasion when the Prince had demanded her company late into the night.

'Well, well, well if it isn't Sir Guy of Gisborne,' one of the soldiers sneered. 'You're keeping some poor company these days, Gisborne.'

'Shut it,' Guy snarled, brandishing his sword.

'Prince John will be disappointed, cavorting with outlaws. Oh, what's this, a family affair? Is that the fragrant Lady Gisborne I see? Well I'm afraid I can't let you pass, my Lady,' the man drawled sarcastically.

'Then I'm afraid I will have to shoot you,' Robin spoke calmly and firmly.

'Robin Hood doesn't kill, that's what I heard,' another soldier jeered.

'Oh really?' Robin replied. 'I kill to keep my friends safe. So let us pass and you may leave with your lives.'

Marian gulped, would Robin really shoot all of them in cold blood? She supposed he must have killed in the Holy Land, but tried to block that from her mind, just as she did with Guy's crimes.

Marian had no more time to ponder this, however, for as soon as the thought entered her mind rough hands grabbed her from behind, grasping her arms and viciously pulling the knife from her grasp. She let out a scream as she felt a large hand around her throat.

'Marian!' Guy cried, his voice agonised as she saw her pinioned between two burly soldiers. Another two appeared from behind them. Marian realised they must have been followed down the tunnel.

'Let her go!' Robin yelled, rage coursing through him. 'Last chance!'

Marian cried out again. 'Help me!' she called as her hair was tugged back and her throat exposed. Then the twang of the bow and a cry from one of the men holding her. She felt the grip on her left arm fall away as one of Robin's arrows buried itself in the guard's chest.

In the same moment Guy lunged forward and plunged his sword into her second captor. Marian watched as with an agonised cry the man dropped to the ground, his eyes wide as Guy ran his sword through the man's heart, finishing him off.

Marian was both appalled and gratified in that moment. She wasted no time dwelling on it though and pulled the sword from the dead soldier's grasp, its weight was too much for her really, but with two hands on the hilt she could at least protect herself a little.

There was a full on fight now, Allan's swords were moving fast. Guy's sword was doing its job with ruthless efficiency. Much and John too were tough warriors, more than she had known. But most effective was Robin's lethal aim; his arrows felling man after man, saving his friends from deadly blades, clearing their path to safety.

'Come on, let's get out of here!' Robin screamed at them. They were making good headway, but there was only so long they could stay in the tunnel. Marian rightly guessed he wanted to avoid becoming trapped down here.

Marian watched with trepidation as Allan was first to hoist himself through the opening they had thought was so well disguised.

'We're all right,' Allan called down. 'Can't see anyone.'

Robin let out a sigh of relief. 'Okay, but be careful, there may be more soldiers hidden. John, you go next.'

John followed, then Much. Robin was indicating it was Marian's turn when she felt a heavy hand on her back. Guy and Robin were both in front of her. She tensed as the blade found her throat.

'Going somewhere, missy?' a malevolent voice hissed in her ear.

Instinct took over and Marian swung her sword around with all the force she could muster. She caught the man's mail, but could not shake him off. She felt her head jerked back as her hair was viciously tugged.

'Bad move, little girl.'

'No!' Guy cried, rushing at them, sword drawn. Marian wasn't sure what happened next. She heard Guy's blood curdling cry of fear and anger, the thwack of Robin's arrow embedding itself in the body behind her shoulder, a deep gasp from Guy and then she was released.

She panted heavily as she grasped Guy's arm for support. But instead of finding the strong support she was used to, he buckled under her, clutching his stomach.

Marian looked at his face. Guy's eyes were wide with horror, his face was even paler than usual. He lifted a hand from his middle and even in the gloom Marian could see it was covered in blood. Bright, ruby red, glistening blood running off his fingers and splashing onto the floor as he fell to his knees.

To be continued. . .