Disclaimer: I do not own Robin Hood as it is the property of the BBC.

Thankyou very much to WarriorGirl4Ever for reviewing all of my chapters in one go.

Sorry for the lack of updates this last week, but I was away for the week with no laptop.

Chapter 23

The next day, Robin had decided that they were going to break in to the castle's strong room to steal the pact that the Black Knights had signed the day before.

That was how they found themselves in the castle, outside the strong room.

Will was tapping away at the door hinges with a small chisel.

' Come on! ' Much hissed, ' how much longer? '

' I'm almost through, ' Will replied calmly.

As Will continued to tap away, another sound was heard - footsteps. The outlaws looked at each other in wide eyed panic, hoping that they would not be caught before they had got what they wanted.

' Guards,' John whispered, as though the others didn't already know that for themselves.

A figure came closer down the corridor, causing the group to back against the wall and in to the shadows, in an attempt to make themselves seem less prominent.

Luckily the person was only Djaq.

Unluckily, she had some not so good news,' The castle is waking up!'

' Time to go,' Much said promptly.

' Not without the pact, ' Robin disagreed,' England's future depends on it, '

' Robin! There's no time,' John told the younger man, ' Will...' he added with a jerk of his head.

Will took the hint and moved aside, as the others also all stood back, knowing what their tallest member was going to do.

John kicked the door down, accompanied by a loud war cry, and the rest of them barrelled in to the strong room after him.

' There you go,' John said, feeling triumphant at having knocked the door down - although, of course, there had been no doubt that he would be able to do it.

' 'Ang on - it's empty!' Ava cried out.

' Where's the pact ?! ' Robin asked loudly, though no one knew the answer.

' Where's everything? ' Djaq added.

' I don't know, but I do know it's a good job - a wonder really - that's no one's heard us,' Much replied, his voice still a whisper.

Just after he said this, the sound of dogs barking viciously was heard and as the outlaws turned their heads towards the source of the noise, they saw a pack of large dogs - some of the Sheriff's dogs - heading towards them.

' Run? ' Much asked, grabbing hold of Ava's hand the way that he always did when they had to run away, and he didn't want to get seperated from her.

Robin sighed as though he were fed up of this sort of thing happening to them.

--

After their lucky escape from the castle, and their safe return to the secret camp, the group of outlaws were sat around together, eating stew that Much had cooked for them.

' Are you not eating? ' Ava asked gently, kneeling beside Robin, who looked very upset.

' No, ' Robin replied flatly.

Ava attempted a smile and placed her hand around Robin's shoulders comfortingly. From his position next to Djaq, Much was watching Ava like a hawk, his eyes narrowing at her gesture.

' Ava, we have to go back and get that pact, ' Robin sighed,' it's proof of the treason - we show that to the King and the Sheriff's done for. '

' Robin, we've no idea where it's hidden, ' Ava replied, trying not to sound so negative, but finding it difficult in their position.

Robin, however, had no time to comment back because there was a loud din.

' The alarms! ' Will exclaimed, referring to the traps the hang had set up around their camp, so no unwanted visitors could enter the camp undetected.

Once the site of the trap was reached, the outlaws were greeted by the sight of a man hanging up from one of the tall trees by a piece of rope attatched to his back.

' And who says money doesn't grow on trees? ' Robin jeered.

The dangling man reached up and cut himslef down with a small knife.

' I've no more than 10 shillings! ' he insisted.

' Oh, why resist? ' Ava laughed.

' If you tell the truth we'll only take a tenth, ' Will added.

' Lie and we take it all, ' John shouted.

' It's the truth! ' the unknown man declared.

' Then why not show us? ' Robin suggested.

' I need every penny for the woman I love, ' the stranger said, sounding rather desperate.

' You're going to buy a woman? ' Djaq asked, exchanging an annoyed look with her fellow female outlaw, Ava.

' To marry her! ' the man cried out in anger,' Her father borrowed money from the Canon of Birkley. '

' Yes - we know Birkley, ' Robin acknowledged.

' And wherever Birkley goes, the Sheriff's not far behind, ' Will said darkly.

' Her father signed a bond of debt,' the man explained.

' And now he can't pay? ' Robin guessed.

' Not easily, no. He's dead. '

' Oh please,' Much snered,' You're not going to believe this? ' He looked around at his comrades and saw a few faces that looked as though they did believe this,' Well I don't believe it. '

' The bond is locked away in the castle,' the man continued, ' and Beatrice remains in service to the Canon until her father's debts are paid, so I need every shilling.'

' How much is the debt? ' Robin quizzed.

' £2000,' the man replied sadly.

The outlaws had to laugh at that one,' 10 shillings won't get you very far then,' Ava grinned.

' I'll pay what I can! I'll keep paying until Beatrice is free! '

' If your story is true, my friend, ' Robin began,' if you really do have only 10 shillings - we will pay off your debt. '

' What? ' John asked, in confusion.

' What if it isn't? ' Will countered.

' It isn't! ' Much insisted, ' this is ridiculous.'

The stranger now looked very annoyed, in particular with Much. He glared at Much,' Do you have a sweetheart? '

Much took a quick glance at Ava and replied,' Yes. '

' Do you want to marry her? ' the man quizzed.

Much took another look at Ava, took hold of her hand and held it out to the man, ' Engaged, ' he said, pleased at an opportunity to show off his girl.

' Then you know what it's like - that you'd do anything for her, anything to make her happy, to be with her, pay any amount of money for your time together.' the man spoke, with a great passion.

Much smiled and nodded silently, holding Ava's hand tighter.

Robin here tipped the bag upside down, revealing 10 silver coins - 10 shillings.

' See?! ' the man replied, ' I told you - 10 shillings.'

Back at camp, Robin was rooting through the stores, taking out various items and things they had taken off the rich.

' What are you doing? ' John asked in annoyance.

' Robin, what? ' Will asked, ' We're robbing from the rich to give to the ... rich? '

' It's to help him marry his sweetheart, Will,' Robin pointed out, ' think of it as a wedding present. '

' Why can't we give him a toasting fork like everyone else? ' Much replied.

' Well, I'll bear that in mind for your big day, shall I? ' Robin countered.

' But we're broke! ' Will pointed out.

Robin held up a box, ' We fill the bottom of this box with sand, we follow that box, and we find the pact. Trust me - I have a plan! '

' Probably only half a plan,' Ava muttered darkly.

This was how, a short while later, the gang were at the home of the Canon of Birkley, stood in his back courtyard. They were, of course, disguised in cloaks and hats.

' Richard of York! ' the Canon called out enthusiastically, ' how much have you for me today ?'

' The lot!' Richard (the stranger) replied triumphantly, ' I am here to claim my bride. My porters have all of the money.'

' Oh good, ' Birkley replied, ' the Sheriff will be...um, delighted. Have your men give it to the guards. Now, you wait through there and I'll give the Sheriff the good news. '

Moments later, the gang watched as guards took the large boxes of money away, and were perplexed when it was taken in to the Sheriff's courtyard, instead of the holding room it should have been taken to.

They followed the guards out and watched as some sort of holder covered by a blue drape was hoisted in to the air.

The fanfare played and the Sheriff emerged from the castle. Gisbourne and Allan stood on either side of him.

' People, ' he began, ' my dear people, we're here today to witness the unveiling of my marvellous birdcage. '

Here, the guards pulled a chord that threw the drape off of the cage.

The Sheriff continued,' Nottingham's exchaqeor, our community chest. There for all to see, demonstrating once again my commitment to the open government. '

The guards began to add in the things to the cage that were from Robin and the gang's stores.

The Sheriif carried on, ' The latest addition to our fund, which I have been reliably informed, has come from the stores of Robin Hood himself.'

' There goes our money,' Will muttered to Ava, who was stood closest to him.

' And the Sheriff's archers are all over, ' she nodded darkly.

The Sheriif continued on speaking to the crowd,' If you happen to see Robin Hood, and he asks you 'Have you seen my money?' you can tell him, the answer, my friend, if blowing in the wind. '

Marian, who had managed to come in to the crowd and locate her outlaw friends, informed Robin and the gang quietly,' It was Allan's idea - and he's informed the Sheriff of all your ways in and out of the castle. So they're going to seal all of those exits. You have to get out now. '

' What if Allan tells them about you? ' Robin asked, in worry.

' He won't - I've silenced him, ' Marian said boldly.

Marian then looked around at the others and said quick greetings to them. When she saw Ava, she caught sight of the sapphire ring on her finger as Ava went to move some of her hair from her face.

Marian took hold of her hand and examined the ring, ' You're engaged? ' she asked with a smile, as she looked between Much and Ava.

Much grinned and wrapped one arm around Ava's waist, ' Since yesterday, yes. '

' Oh wow, congratulations. Ava, this ring is exquisite,' Marian gushed, ' the sapphire matches your eyes. '

' I chose it purposely because of that,' Much nodded happily.

' I do hope I'm invited to the wedding? When will it be? ' Marian asked for confirmation.

' Of course you'll be invited, won't she? ' Ava said, nudging Much, ' We're going to do it when the King returns. '

' Stop! ' called out a loud male voice.

The source of this voice was Richard, who was stood on top of one of the stations where the archer guards stood, a bow and arrow in his arms.

' I want my bride! ' he yelled.

' What's he doing ?' Ava asked, shaking her head.

' I want my bride!' he repeated.

' He's mad! ' Marian cried.

' Yes, he's in love, ' Robin replied.

' I've goven you my money! You're the theives, ' Richard shouted down, ' You and the Canon! Not Robin Hood. '

The Sheriif laughed lazily, ' Guards! Hang him! '

' What? ' Richard asked foolishly as the guards swarmed him.

Robin sighed and took hold of the drape from the newly unveiled birdcage and shouted at his gang.

' Much, John, Will! Grab a corner! ' he demanded.

The three men did as they were told and held out the drape as Robin yelled at Richard, ' Richard! Jump! Jump!'

Richard did as he was told and once he was landed safely, Robin decided it was time to make a swift exit.

' Run! Go! Run! Faster!' he bellowed,' Come on! '

The six of them, plus Richard, ran away from the castle and the guards, and hid in the market place in one of the stalls that sold materiel.

Once the guards were past, they knew if was safe to speak again.

' We lost all our money! ' John hissed.

' And we don't have the pact! ' Djaq added indignantly.

' What were you playing at, man? You could have gotten us all killed!' Much snapped, rounding on Richard.

' What happened, did you tell them it was our money? ' Will asked.

' No! The Canon told me it wasn't enough - says I have to pay early redemption charges. '

' You know what? ' Robin asked exasperatedley, ' I think we need to have a little chat with this Canon. '

' I hear he takes confession from the tavern Belles every after noon, ' Richard supplied.

Robin decided that this did not require all of them, and decided that it would just be he and Richrd who went, so the others went to wait for their leader and latest help case in the spot in the forest which Robin had designated.

Later, Robin jogged in to the camp, ' Roght, get yourselves together! We've work to do! ' he declared.

' Why? What's going on? ' Will enquired.

' The Sheriff is selling Beatrice to the Earl of Durham,' Richard informed them, ' We have to get her out. '

' How? ' Djaq asked.

' Bloody Allan's blocked all our ways in, ' Much added.

' Ah, ' Robin mumbled, as though he had momenterily forgotten about that, ' We'll find some way in, come on.'

As they got ready to leave, Ava was rooting through the hamper with the weapons in, to find something that would suit Richard. Robin came over and the three spoke as they prepared.

' I'm truly grateful to you all, ' he told them.

' It's what we do, ' Ava replied evenly.

True, it was what they did but certain members of the gang were throwing themselves in to this more than others to fight for love. Because some knew more than others what it was lke to be madly in love with some one else - Robin, Much, Ava.

' You have no idea what she means to me, ' Richard told Robin conversationally.

' Let me guess,' Robin started,' You can't sleep for thinking of her, you can't turn a corner without hoping she'll be there. '

It was clear that he was speaking from experience of his feelings for Marian.

' You have those feelings? '

' Just guessing, ' Robin replied easily, turning his back on Richard and beginning to walk away.

Richard looked over at Ava, who stopped fiddling with her lovely engagement ring, to meet his eyes.

She nodded over at Robin and mouthed, ' He does, ' to which Richard smiled and nodded.

Robin turned around and shook his head at Ava, though he was grinning.

' Can't keep your mouth closed for two minutes, can you? ' he asked, with his trademark grin plastered across his face.

There was then a short pause until Much called over to them, ' Are you three coming or not? I thought we were supposed to have ' work to do ' ? '

Before they could leave, the alarm sounded again - the second time on a few hours.

There was a female cry of,' Robin! Robin! '

' Marian,' Robin muttered, as they all ran to the site of this particular trap.

' Robin! ' Marian shrieked.

' Yes, my love? ' Robin asked pleasantly.

' Get me down! ' she yelled.

' But you look so good up there, ' Robin protested.

' You will pay, Robin of Locksley ' she said angrily.

' Honestly - you look gorgeous from any angle, ' Robon grinned, as she cut herself down with the dagger hairpin she always wore.

Marian glared at him and sent him a blow to the jaw, causing the others to gasp.

' How do I look from that angle? ' she asked darkly, whilst Robin regained his composure.

' Listen to me, ' she said desperately,' Allan is out of control - he's leading Gisbourne and his men here, now. '

' Allan? ' Djaq checked.

They looked at each other in a panic, and Marian knew she ha to go before she was found breaking her house arrest.

As she and Robin said their goodbyes, the others went to close up the camp.

When they returned, Robin nodded at them.

' Let's meet Gisbourne and Allan on the low road. We'll give Allan the welcome he deserves. This is war, ' Robin said grimly.

They ran to the road to meet Gisbourne, Allan and their entourage, keeping behind the trees so as not to be spotted, but so they could hear what was going on.

' Right, ' Gisbourne was saying,' As the Sheriff said, you take the lead .'

Allan looked around nervously and told the other man, ' But we're not here yet, '

Gisbourne sighed, ' All right, guards - wait there. '

When Gisbourne and Allan had begun to move on, Djaq, Much and John attacked the cart the guards were driving and shot the guards dead before getting inside themselves.

Gisbourne heard the cart moving and turned around in annoyance, ' I told you to wait there!'

When he faced the front again, he was met by the sight of Robin holding his bow and arrow up tightly.

' Hood! ' Gisbourne hissed, then added aside to his right hand man,' I thought you siad we weren't near yet? '

' We're not! ' Allan replied.

' He knew we were coming, ' Gisbourne realised jumping down from his horse and drawing his sword.

He looked around the small clearing warily, as the outlaws kept to the trees.

After his horse had spooked and ran away, he was outnumbered.

But then there was Allan.

Allan rode over on his own horse, and shouted at Gisbourne to get on, grabbing his arm and heaving him up, then riding away quickly.

' They got away, ' Will sighed, looking after him.

' Gisbourne knows someone tipped us off. He'll squeeze Allan until he finds out who it was. ' Robin spat.

' Allan would not betray Marian, ' Djaq said, as though she truly believed it.

' Yes he would, ' Much countered, ' He's a lying, trechourous, piece of scum, '

Ava cleared her throat, ' And he's going to be your father-in-law some day, ' she told him icily.

Quickly, he realised his mistake, and slipped his hand in to hers, mumbling about how he didn't mean to offend her.

' Allan is not betraying anyone, ' Robin said loudly,' We're going to see to that. '

--

Soon after, the gang were on their way to Nottingham castle, in front of the main gates.

Robin was dressed in one of the dead guards' outfits and the others were hidden in the back of the cart Robin was driving.

' Open up, injured men here!' Robin called out.

' Gisbourne said you were all dead, ' one of the thick guards said slowly.

' Do I look dead? Open up! ' Robin demanded.

Once inside the castle's courtyard, with the cart parked up somewhere mostly out of sight, the rest of the gang got out of the back - they were also all dressed in guards clothing.

Robin looked at them all, ' Go to the tower, find the girl and get here out '

' And you? ' Much asked.

' I'm going to find Allan, ' Robin said coldly.

' I want to come with you, ' Ava said quickly.

' No...go with the others, ' Robin sighed.

Ava frowned and touched his arm lightly, ' Robin...please...I won't do anything stupid, '

' I don't think it's a good idea - he's your father, you're too emotionally involved.'

' Please, '

Robin rolled his eyes, ' I suppose you can come, but you have to behave your self. You do not leave me at any time, and you do everything I say - I want your word.'

' You have my word, '

Robin nodded and looked over the top of her head to the others, ' Good luck. '

--

Waiting in a darkened corridor in the castle, Ava and Robin heard footsteps

Certain it was Allan, they knew they had to get his attention before he passed right by.

Ava put two fingers to her mouth and let out a piercing whistle, which caused her father to turn around and look in the direction the noise had come from.

Robin strode out of the shadows, followed by his companion.

' Robin! ' Allan said in shock, ' Ava, ' he added, voice and face softening.

' What's the matter Allan? Expecting your new friend Gisbourne? ' Robin asked, his voice low and dangerous as he circled Allan.

' I don't want you to get the wrong idea - I had no choice, ' Allan insisted,' I would never take them to the camp. I wouldn't - I love you Robin, all of you, and you Ava. '

' That's very touching, ' Robin smirked,' but, as they say, love hurts.'

With that he delivered a sharp blow to Allan's jaw, causing Ava to wince and look away.

He then drew his sword, as Allan did the same, and the two men began to fight fiercely.

Amidst the two men fighting, Ava rolled her eyes to herself, wondering why the men had to get their swords out over every little thing.

She decided to step in, because she'd had enough of watch them run around like little boys.

' For heaven's sake!' she cried, stepping forward and yelling at them both.

Both Robin and Allan stopped fighting to stare at her incredulously.

' What are you doing, Ava?! ' demanded Robin.

' One of us could have stabbed you! ' Allan told her angrily.

' I'm stopping you two idiots before you end up killing each other! ' she hissed,' Why can't we just talk about this like adults? '

Allan nodded, ' Yeah, let's talk, ' he said, meeting his daughter's identical eyes and giving her a grateful look, which she replied to with a simple nod .

Robin smirked, ' Ok, we'll talk - you can start by telling me where the Sheriff keeps his documents. '

' I don't know! I just told him to empty the strong room, but that's it, ' Allan told his former leader.

' Where has he moved the pact? '

' I swear I don't know...maybe his room, there's a safe in there...trust me Robin...'

' Trust you? I don't think so, ' Robin sneered, embarking on another sword battle with Allan.

Ava clenched her jaw and watched them with her hands on her hips.

When Robin disarmed Allan and pinned him to the floor, Ava watched in horror with her hand clamped over her mouth.

As Robin knelt over Allan, and pulled out a small knife and held it tightly to Allan's neck, Ava felt a rush of feelings go through her.

She realised that although the man had done stupid things, she still loved and him, and he had probably had a reason that seemed to make sense to him with regards to why he had betrayed them all.

She wasn't prepared to let him die.

' I don't want to die, ' Allan said quietly.

Robin gritted his teeth and spoke at Allan nastily, ' Death is the only way I can be sure that you won't betray Marian. '

Ava threw herself to her knees and knelt beside the two men.

' Robin, please, spare him ,' she pleaded.

' Ava, I have to do this - he's too much of a threat - a liability. He needs getting rid of. '

Ava shook her head and shuffled closer to her father. She placed a hand on his cheek and looked in to his eyes briefly, before turning back to Robin.

' Robin...please...' she begged.

' But what about Marian? I can't run the risk of him betraying her, I can't lose her, '

' Robin...do it for me? ' she asked, desperate to convince him not to kill Allan, ' If you kill him, then I'm leaving, and there's a good chance that Much will come with me. '

Robin thought about this for moment, giving Ava the chance to get to her feet and pull Allan up after her.

' Thanks,' he whispered in the brief moment they had before Robin got to his feet too.

' If you every betray Marian, I swear I will kill you. I don't care how many daughters you have sticking up for you, next time - I will kill you,'

Allan nodded curtly, ' I will never betray her, '

Robin continued to glare at him and pointed to the door sharply and silently.

Allan knew that he had to go and left swiftly, giving his daughter a small smile on his way out.

Ava wiped her slightly wet eyes on her sleeve and turned to look at Robin, ' Thank you,' she said quietly.

Robin sighed,' He doesn't deserve you, you know? ' he told her, ' You're too good to be stuck with a father like him. '

Ava shook her head, ' No, he's a good man. He just made a mistake, '

' Come one, one good thing we actually got out of him was where the pact could be, ' Robin said.

As the pair of them walked away, it occured to her that her father did not know of her recent engagement - for she and Much had gotten engaged only the day before - as she had not had chance to tell him.

--

Once they got in to the Sheriff's bedroom, where Allan had told them the safe was, the Sheriff was asleep.

The two of them crept across the room, to find that Marian's father - who should have been in the dungeons, but must have escaped - was in the room, trying to take the pact too.

As Sir Edward took the pact out of the safe, the Sheriff stirred slightly.

Robin, Edward and Ava knew they would have to hide, so Edward hid behind the curtain drapes of the bed, whilst the two outlaws managed to clamber up on to the netting of the ceiling, and hang there.

The Sheriff woke with a start and searched his body for his keys.

' Guards! Guards! My keys are gone!' he bellowed, causing four armed guards to enter the Sheriff's quarters.

Edward quickly threw the keys on to the bed, hoping that no one had seen him.

The Sheriff picked up the keys and looked in the direction where they had come from, spotting a pair of feet on the ground.

He motioned for the guards to hand him a sword, after which Robin and Ava exchanged horrified looks.

The Sheriff took hold of the sword and crept towards the place where Edwards feet were stuck out, whispering to himself, ' So what do we have here? My old friend...death...'

Robin jumped down from his position, quickly followed by Ava.

' Remember us, Sheriff? ' Robin asked, wiht his usual grin.

' Guards! ' yelled the Sheriff, ' after them! '

Robin met Ava's eyes and ran off, her following closely behind him, but they hid in the shadows, so that the Sherif and his guards would run right past them.

Robin and Ava exchanged grins and turned back to the Sheriff's quarters to talk with Sir Edward.

' Sir Edward! ' Ava cried out.

' Ava, Robin, ' Edward nodded.

' You escaped the dungeons? ' Robin asked, although the answer to that was obvious.

' England needs saving - I have the pact, ' Edward declared.

' Right, we have to get out, ' Robin said, ever the one to be in control, ' Come on, both of you, this way. '

The trio crept down the corridor and spotted the rest of the gang, who had managed to find Beatrice.

' Much! ' Robin hissed, to call the gang over to the trio.

' Oh, thank god you're all alright, ' Much breathed, kising Ava quickly on her lips and taking hold of both of her hands.

' We have a new member of the gang, ' Robin declared, as the others congratulated Edward on his escape and shook his hand.

They all walked to the courtyard, luckily undetected as they were - except Edward and Beatrice - dressed as castle guards.

Much was enthusiastically filling Sir Edward in on his recent engagement, whilst Ava told Will of the meeting with her father - she knew Will would want to know what was going on, since he was Allan's closest friend.

When they reached the gates, Much nodded at the guards who were on the gate,' Let us through? ' he asked.

The guards all shook their heads and one of them answered, ' No one goes out. Castle is going in to lock down. '

' We are escorting the prisoner to the Earl of Durham ,' Much lied.

The guards glared at the gang and then nodded,' Very well, go about your business.'

' Thank you,' Much replied, although they did not get very far because the Sheriff ran out.

He was waving his arms around like a mad man and bellowed,' Stop them! Stop him! That's Hood's lot! '

The guards all drew their swords, ' Nice try, ' laughed the guard.

' Sorry to rain on your parade Hood ' the Sheriff shouted.

' Oh that's all right, ' Robin replied pleasantly, before shooting three arrows at the recently unveiled birdcage and making a hole in the sacks, so that the money began to pour out.

This distraction meant that all of the guards went to try and save the money, giving the outlaw the chance to slip away.

' Split up! You know where to meet! ' Robin yelled.

As always, they ran off in small groups - Robin, Edward, Richard and Beatrice. Will, Djaq and John. Ava and Much.

No one had gotten very far when they heard raised voices.

' I will kill him! ' called the Canon of Birkley.

Much and Ava went to see what the fuss was about at the same time Will, Djaq and John did. They were met by the sight of Robin sttod in front of Richard and Beatrice, pointing his bow and arrow at the Canonof Birkley who was holding a knife to Sir Edward.

' You cannot kill! ' Robin told him boldly, ' You are a man of God. '

' You cannot kill,' the Canon scoffed.

Robin shot the arrow straight in to the Canon, knocking him to the ground, dead, ' Try me.'

Edward then turned around to reveal that he had a knife sticking out of his chest - the Canon had gotten to him before Robin got him.

' Edward! No! Get him down! ' Robin shouted at Djaq, the resident physician.

Djaq and Much helped Robin lay Sir Edward lay down.

Robin began to give orders out, ' Djaq, Will, go get the equipment. John, get Richard and Beatrice to safety.

Ava and Much stayed with Robin and Edward, looking on in worry.

' Go, my friends, I'll be fine here, ' Robin told them.

Sir Edward looked over the young couple and tried to speak, through his pain.

' G-good luck, c-congratulations,' he spluttered.

The pair gave their thanks and left Robin on his own with the noble man.

' Poor Sir Edward,' Ava mumbled as she and Much left.

Much said nothing but swept his fiance off her feet, causing her to giggle and continued walking towards the forest, with her in his arms.

--

Half an hour later Robin brought Marian to the camp, so that she could live with the gang in safety.

Then he did Beatrice and Richard a great favour.

The outlaws - and Marian - watched in happiness as Richard and Beatrice stood up before Robin.

' Do you, Richard of York promise to protect and honour this womna as long as you both shall live? ' Robin asked.

' I do,' Richard replied proudly.

' Then I, as the rightful Lord of Locksley and the county of Nottingham do now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride,' Robin told them.

As Richard kissed Beatrice, the others cheered and clapped.

Robin took a place beside his beloved Marian and wrapped his arms around her waist, whilst Much kissed Ava's cheek, and told her how that would be them one day soon.

Richard and Beatrice said their goodbyes and mounted a fine white horse.

Much passed them a gift he had declared they must have.

Richard took the toasting fork from him with a slight amusement in his voice as he said his thanks.

Ava grinned as she thought of Much's toasting fork comment earlier in the day.

' Good Luck! ' Djaq called after them as they began to ride away.

' You did disarm the trap didn't you, Will? ' Robin asked.

A loud banging told them that the answer to this was no.