Chapter 5

Marian, thank goodness you're here! Allan was right!

I lift up my head from where I'd fallen asleep. To my amazement, there standing before me, is Little John, Djaq, Will, and Much. Robin got Allan's message after all!

My eyes search around them. Where is Robin?

Little John shakes his head. He's dealing with the Sheriff…again!

Come on, we have to keep moving, Will urges, unlocking our cells.

I keep Kate close by my side as we make our way to the castle courtyard. Sooner than I realize it, guards are upon us. Fortunately the mask isn't all I need to become the night watchman. With Little John's help I'm able to knock out several guards. Quickly I steal two of their swords, tossing one to Kate. She is a force to be reckoned with.

I had no idea you could fight so well, I say to her.

She smiles at me. My father taught me. It's a perfect precaution these days.

Guards surround us from all sides. We all pick one to take down. Swiftly I knock mine out with the blunt end of my sword. Out of the corner of my eye, I notice a dark figure overlooking us from a castle window. My mouth drops open. It's Guy! Slowly I raise up my left hand, revealing his engagement ring. I pray somehow he takes it as a sign that I trust him.

My attention turns to the castle's front door. Robin emerges, surveying all the guards we've taken down. Good work, gang! You saved none of them for me. His smile fades at the sight of me. Instead he races to my side, taking my arm. We have to go, Marian.

After seeing Guy I'm reluctant to leave. Will he think I've tricked him by leaving with Hood's men? I can't go…

Robin shakes his head at my stubbornness. I told Allan I would get you both out of here. We'll worry about Guy later. Now, come on!

I have no choice, but to follow. I'm the last one to slip underneath the gate before it comes crashing down. There's no turning back now. It isn't long before we all make our way into Sherwood. Once we're at Robin's camp, I introduce Kate to everybody.

Kate smiles in awe at Robin and his gang. It's an honor to finally meet you, Robin Hood. Thank you for taking the trouble to help us.

Robin shakes his head. It was nothing… He stops short, spotting the ring on my finger. Words leave him. It's too late for me to try to hide Guy's engagement ring. I should have taken it off earlier. Robin wanders off away from us. Instead he seeks refuge with his close friend Much.

Kate turns to me, puzzled. Is he alright?

No, Ishake my head. It's my fault. I draw Kate aside in private. We were engaged, Robin and I. I chose another path, one with Gisborne.

Kate sneaks a glance at Robin. So you mean Hood's available?

Yes. Why do you ask?

Kate sends me a smile. No reason. Wait, do you still have feelings for him?

It takes me a moment to answer her. I watch Robin closely as he helps Much serve food to everyone. My answer pains me. Yes, I do. I can't help it. He is the best of men.

Kate tries to comfort me, placing her hand on my shoulder. Do you think he'll let us stay here for a while? I'd give anything not to go back to Locksley.

He'd rather let you stay than me, I sigh. The sooner I leave here, the better. I'm only making Robin unhappy by staying.

Hey, murmurs Kate, meeting my eyes. I'll cheer him up for you.

Thank you, Kate.

She leaves me to speak with Robin. It isn't long before she engages him in conversation. He smiles at her, impressed. You were very brave back there, Kate. That's something I admire.

Thank you, Robin, she smiles, glowing under his compliment. If we stay here, can I prove my worth? It would mean so much to me if I got to join your gang.

Robin nods. Yes, you may stay with us for now, and you too, he says, turning to me, Lady Gisborne.

Grow up, I snap.

I've tried, he says, his voice rising, but that wasn't good enough for you, was it?

Robin, please understand. My decision was nothing personal toward you. And for heaven's sake, don't call me Lady Gisborne!

What does it matter? You will be soon, or are you going to delay your wedding again until the king returns? Robin walks toward me, his eyes refusing to leave mine.

No, I reply, unable to disguise the hurt in my voice. I'm not waiting for the king this time. I must take responsibility into my own hands.

You mean your duty?

I shake my head. Robin won't give up. He is too stubborn for that. This is not about duty, I try to remind him. I'm sorry. Thank you for getting Kate and me out of the castle. It means a lot to me.

Robin lets out a heavy sigh. You couldn't wait for Gisborne?

It wasn't safe for Guy to help me escape. I've placed him in a dangerous position. The Sheriff needs to think Guy is more loyal to him than he is to me.

Robin takes a deep breath, trying to calm his frustration with me. If there's one thing I've learned, it's don't underestimate Vaisey.

I couldn't agree more with Robin. Quietly I leave him and the rest of his gang to explore the forest. This place could have been my home. Either way, it will always be a refuge for me. My fingers brush the trunk of every passing tree, every brush. Sherwood is indeed a blessed place if one feels lost. If I want to return to Guy, it would be a waste of time to wait for him here. Perhaps I could leave right now. Nothing is stopping me.

Marian, where are you going?

That is, except Kate. How did she catch up with me so fast? I turn, meeting her eyes. I need to be getting back. Guy needs me.

Where will you stay? It's too dangerous for you to go back.

She's right. My options are limited. I couldn't stay in Locksley Manor as an unmarried woman, even if I wanted to. I had caused enough scandal already. My father would be ashamed at my foolishness. Kate offers me another option, as if reading my mind.

You can stay in my home, Marian. It's close by to Locksley Manor. You'll be safe there.

I am caught off guard by Kate's offer. She has been so good to me, so kind. I hardly deserve it. I can't thank you enough, Kate, I say, embracing her. She holds me close; I am grateful to have her as a friend.

I know you'd do the same for me, Marian, she reassures me.

Marian! Someone is calling my name. Can it really be Guy, here in the forest?

I turn to Kate with a smile. I have to go.