Chapter 11

Kate holds me close during the agonizing hours that pass. Robin hides Vaisey's body; no one in Nottingham must know of his death. I know we can only prolong his absence for so long. Djaq works away tirelessly mending Guy's wound.

He needs rest, she reassures me.

I sit down in a chair beside Vaisey's bed, stroking Guy's hand. You have to live, I murmur, choking back my tears. Guy…you're the only family I have now.

Suddenly I feel Robin's hand gently touch my shoulder. Marian, come away for a moment. Djaq needs to check on Guy.

Reluctantly I settle down on the other side of the wall facing Isabella. She stares at me, perhaps trying to fathom that I was the night watchman all along. So, she says, you were fighting against the Sheriff this whole time?

I nod; Yes, Guy had me under house arrest here for some time so I had to keep up the pretense with the Sheriff. When I returned here after having escaped to Robin's camp, I realized my place was here with Guy. I know you hate men, but they have weaknesses like us. They can be forgiven.

Forgiveness is weakness! Isabella snaps. My brother never even bothered to apologize to me for what he'd done.

He was trying to move on with his life and leave behind his past regrets, I remind her. Guy is a misunderstood person and so are you. I know he yearned for the day when the Sheriff would be no more. All he seeks is justice like you. You and I are so similar Isabella, even Guy saw that. We are both willful and headstrong, bound to our enslaved roles in this world of men. I don't ever want your husband to find you and put you through more misery. I would never wish what happened to you on anyone. That is how I feel about Guy.

Isabella shifts her gaze away from me to Robin. How long do you plan to keep me here−until Prince John's men come?

You're not helping me think of a solution! Robin snaps. He composes himself before pulling Djaq aside. Her face is worried; he lays his hand on her shoulder. You've done your best, Djaq.

Robin's gaze slowly turns to all of us. Gisborne is dead.

Now there is nothing left of the house, the future I had tried to build with him, nothing, but emptiness and decay. I know I can't stay here. It doesn't matter where I go, the chance of saving Guy will always haunt me. I unbolt the door of the room without another word before Kate can stop me. Racing down the long hallway, I hear Robin catch up with me.

Marian!

Leave me alone! I cry. He holds me back, forcing me to face him.

Listen to me, Robin whispers. Guy is not dead. I needed you to believe it though. Isabella must think he is. That's the only way I can get her to compromise with me. I'm doing this for you. You love him. Forgive me for not believing it. My body falls into his arms, emotionally exhausted. Robin holds me again for a while longer. I'm ensuring your and Gisborne's safety. You must keep up the pretense.

I nod, allowing him to lead me by the hand back into the Sheriff's chamber. I cannot face Isabella. Instead I slump down on the cold stone floor beside Kate. She is unaware of Robin's plan. Out of the corner of my eye, I watch Robin confront Isabella.

It won't be long before the guards start searching for the Sheriff, he informs her. When they do, you will be in grave danger.

And what are you asking me to do about it?, she asks him, relieved that her brother is dead. You think I'll go quietly, give up my position here as the potential new Sheriff?

Robin sighs, meeting her eyes. You said that by killing the Sheriff, you hoped to rid Nottingham of its oppression and your own. If you want the rewards of your assassination to last, you must leave here. I will deal with Prince John. He hands her a purse full of coins from one of the Sheriff's cabinets. This will ensure your safety out of England. That way your husband will never catch you. If you stay here and try to play sheriff he will find you.

Isabella sighs, weighing the coin purse in her hands. Why are you doing this?

I promised you I would help you in need, Robin reminds her. Killing you doesn't solve Nottingham's problems. Let go of your bitterness, Isabella. With this money, you'll have a chance to start a new life for yourself. Take that chance.

Isabella turns her calculating gaze toward me. I wipe away my tears, silently facing her. I will take responsibility for the Sheriff and Gisborne's deaths to save Nottingham. After all, I am the night watchman, but shall give up that name. The night watchman after this will be no more.

You're a fool! Isabella replies. You would give up your position as the night watchman?

I had to already, I reply, gratefully turning to Allan, for the sake of my own safety.

Isabella stares at me in amazement until she faces Robin. Where can I find you if I'm ever in need?

I will take Locksley Manor back, Robin tells her. You owe a debt to me. I ask by repaying it you never lay a hand on your sister-in-law again.

Isabella nods, having grown in respect for me as the ex-night watchman. With Allan's help, Robin leaves the room with Isabella. They will escort her safely out of Nottingham until she is able to take a ship to France. After they leave with her, I feel a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. Racing over to Djaq, I embrace her.

Thank you for saving Guy.

He is strong, Djaq replies. His body has been fighting back. He will need to rest here for several days until he is fully recovered.

As I explain Robin's plan to Kate, my heart sinks. Robin must get back soon before Prince John finds out about the Sheriff's unnatural death.