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

Author's Note: I know that the new series of Robin Hood is on now, but as you can see, I will not be following it in this story.

Chapter 47

The guard who had captured Ava dragged her back to the manor. By the time they had gotten there, the rest of the gang had already gone.

Ava sighed, apparently they had at least managed to bring Robin to him senses. She briefly wondered if they knew what had happened to her, but dismissed that thought when she realised they would assume she had gotten back to camp in safety.

She wondered what would happen when they realised she'd been caught. Surely they'd come and rescue her?

But what if they didn't? They couldn't hang her . . . what about Marie? What about Much? And her father?

Oh God - why did these things always have to happen to her like this? Why couldn't life be simple?

*****

The guard banged on the door to the manor loudly.

The door was opened by Thornton, whose eyes widened slightly when he saw Ava - though he tried not to show any sign of his allegaince to the gang.

' Sir Guy in? ' the guard demanded harshly.

' He is in his quarters,' Thornton nodded.

The guard barged in and bellowed,' SIR GUY! '

Thornton left the guard alone with Ava, but didn't go far. He stood just beside the doorway which linked the main lobby to the servant's quarters. He was watching what was going on, waiting so that he could get information to Robin and the gang about what was going on.

There was the sound of heavy footsteps from upstairs.

' This had better be important! ' Gisbourne snarled as he ran down the stairs.

Gisbourne came to a halt at the bottom of the staircase, in front of the guard and the captive. His hair had grown longer since Ava last saw him, and he was unshaven. He had a wild look about his face, and was clad in his usual black attire.

The guard nudged Ava forward. She stumbled and stopped right in front of Gisbourne, almost falling over.

' Look what I caught,' the guard said smugly,' one of Hood's lot. '

Gisbourne nodded,' I can see that,' he said, his tone dull.

The guard smirked,' Are we going to send her to be hung? ' he asked eagerly.

Gisbourne was looking down at Ava with great interest. He seemed very interested in the baby that she held.

' Sir Guy? ' the guard prompted,' shall I get the carriage ready to take her to the Sheriff? '

Gisbounrne opened his mouth to say something, but paused before saying,' Leave us. '

' What? ' the guard asked, as if he didn't understand.

' You heard me,' Gisbourne snapped,' You will leave me with the outlaw. '

The guard nodded and left, before Gisbourne glared at Ava. He jerked his thumb towards the room that lay on their left.

As they entered, Ava noted that it was a very plain room - the walls were dark and plain, the floor cold stone. The only furniture was a stone fireplace, which was unlit - making the room very cold - and a dining room table with a few chair around it.

It was difficult to imagine that this place had once been Robin's home.

' Sit,' Gisbourne commanded.

Confused and awaiting the reaction of the dangerous man, Ava sat down, holding Marie close to her - she couldn't understand why Gisbourne hadn't thrown her into a carriage and had her sentenced to death.

Gisbourne moved around the room, stopping opposite where Ava sat. He put both hands on the table and leaned forward,' Well well well,' he said,' we have a bit of a problem here, don't we? '

She was silent.

' See now,' he said,' you're supposed to die.'

' Supposed to? ' Ava echoed, raising one eyebrow.

Gisbourne continued to stare at her,' How can you have a child? ' he asked,' you were not carrying when we last met.'

Ava nodded,' That's true,' she told him, brushing a lock of hair away from her face.

Gisbourne grabbed her hand quickly,' A ring? You're married to the sidekick now? '

' I don't see what business of yours that is,' Ava replied, snatching her hand back.

Gisbourne shrugged,' Maybe I just want to know more about the woman I'm going to destroy.'

' Please,' Ava muttered.

Gisbourne raised his eyebrows,' What's this? You're asking to be saved? That's not like one of you. You're all usually so willing to die for the cause.'

Ava sighed, meeting his eyes for the first time,' I don't ask for myself,' she said,' I ask for my husband. And my dad. And my child.'

Gisbourne raised his eyebrows,' I thought you said that the kid wasn't yours. '

' She's not, biologically,' Ava confirmed, ' her mother asked Much and I to take care of her before she died. Her father died before her birth.'

Gisbourne scoffed,' And now you're raising a baby in the forest. I wouldn't have thought Hood was allow that.'

' What's this got to do with anything? ' demanded Ava,' if you're going to kill me then get on with it already. '

Gisbourne laughed coldly,' If you're so insistant, then we'll go and pay a visit to the Sheriff . . . give me the child. It can stay here with one of the servants. '

' No,' Ava hissed,' she stays with me. '

Gisbourne moved forward, to try and take Marie from Ava's arms. He stopped however, when he was close enough to look at her properly.

His eyes widened and shock was written up on his face,' Those eyes . . . '

' Yes,' Ava agreed,' they're identical to Marian's. '

' She's not . . . ' began, shocked.

' Marian's niece,' Ava supplied,' Marian's sister showed up a few weeks ago looking for Marian. She was dying of a consumption, and wanted Marian to take her in. She died a few days ago and here we are.'

Gisbourne was silent.

Ava looked up at him,' You really loved her, didn't you? '

Gisbourne gave no sign that he had heard her.

Ava continued,' You've already killed one woman. Do you have to kill another? '

Gisbourne's head snapped up,' Enough! ' he snarled, grabbing her forearm and yanking her to her feet,' we're going to Nottingham. '

*****

Soon after, a carriage pulled into the courtyard of Nottingham Castle. Two guards yanked open the door, pulling out Ava - who wrapped Marie in a blanket and held her so if she held her any tighter, she'd suffocate. Gisbourne led the two guards and Ava through the courtyard and into the castle.

He stormed through the castle in silence, until he reached the room he was told he could find the Sheriff in.

He pounded on the heavy oaken door, until a call from within stopped him.

' Alright alright, keep your hair on,' drawled the Sheriff.

Gisbourne thrust the door open and marched in, Ava reluctantly following.

' Ah Gisbourne,' the Sheriff beamed toothily,' I see you've brought our pretty little friend along for a visit? '

' Caught her in Locksley,' Gisbourne said,' the rest of them got away - I don't know if they know where she is.'

' Excellent,' the Sheriff nodded in approval, crossing the room and stopping to circle Ava much like a vulture.

' Well,' he said,' little miss A Dale has picked up a baby from somewhere? '

' Apparently the now dead mother of the child asked this outlaw to look after the kid,' Gisbourne said, though with holding the fact that Marie was Marian's niece.

' That's got nothing to do with anything,' Ava said,' the child did nothing wrong.'

' Right,' the Sheriff nodded,' wheras you're a filthy outlaw . . . the sentence for which is death. I could arrange for a hanging first thing in the morning, but I've got a better idea. '

' Oh? '

The Sheriff nodded,' Yes. We're short of a spy since your beloved father ran off and joined the outlaws again . . . how would you like to fill that role? '

' No! ' Ava said, outraged,' I can't betray my friends like that! '

The Sheriff shrugged,' That's fine,' he said,' I've another offer you might like - when we met in the Holy Land, I made you a proposition which you refused. But the offer still stands.'

' What offer? ' Gisbourne asked sharply.

The Sheriff clapped a hand to Gisbourne's shoulder,' My dear boy,' he said,' I propose that our pretty little friend here leave the outlaws and come join our side. '

The Sheriff looked at Ava, telling her,' It wouldn't be so bad, you know. You wouldn't have to actually do anything in the way of fighting, not like now, where you're constantly under threat. '

' No,' Ava said, shaking her head.

' Come on, be reasonable,' the Sheriff laughed,' it's this or death. I know you don't want to die - you've got family, and friends. If you join our side all you have to do is become a servant for Gisbourne . . . he's ever so lonely since the death of Lady Marian . . . he could do with the companionship. A nice little toy you'll make. '

' I'm no one's toy, ' Ava hissed.

The Sheriff continued as if she hadn't spoken,' Think of the luxury . . . a proper roof over your head, regular meals, the ability to have a proper bath. The ability to go out into the villages without the threat of being arrested. And this baby . .. you'll be better equipped to look after it in the manor than if you're living in a forest. '

Ava sighed. She knew that much was true,' What would I have to do in return? '

The Sheriff's eyes lit up as he realised that she was considering it,' You will live at the manor with the servants. You will serve Gisbourne and do everything that he asks. Of course you will not be visiting your friends in the forest. Your loyalty belongs to us. You will be given limited time in the villages on errands, and you will be supervised at such times. '

Ava considered for a moment, weighing up her options,' I can't,' she said, 'my friends will save me, I know it.'

The Sheriff laughed,' Maybe they will this time . . . but in the end we're always going to triumph over them. It's join us or die.'

Ava closed her eyes for a moment, just thinking. One one hand, she couldn't leave her friends - she loved the all - and Much, and her father, and . . . and all of them. There was no way that she could join Gisbourne and Sheriff and bear to serve them. But on the other hand, she could find a way to be a spy from the inside . . . with Marian gone someone needed to fill that role.

Then a different thought struck her . . . she could agree to what they wanted to avoid death, and then escape afterwards. . . that way she lived, and got to be with her friends.

And then another thought hit her - this wasn't about being with her friends, was it? It was about helping the King and saving England. And if this was what she needed to do her bit for King and Country, and to help out the gang, then so be it.

' I'll do it,' she swallowed, ' I'll join you. '

The Sheriff clapped his hands together,' Ah-ha. Knew you'd come to your senses. Gisbourne, why don't you take your new play thing home? '

Ava shuddered as Gisbourne laid a hand on her shoulder and led her from the room.

*****

Once back at the manor, Gisbourne called for Thornton.

' Give Miss A Dale -' he began.

' Mrs Miller,' interrupted Ava, clinging on to Marie.

Gisbourne gritted his teeth,' Give this girl a room in the servants quarters. She will be joining our staff as of now. Make sure she doesn't leave this house without my knowledge and consent.'

' Hey! ' Ava protested,' I am still here, you know.'

Gisbourne glared at her, narrowing his eyes,' Shut up,' he said,' you are under my command now and I will not tolerate mis-behaviour. Any more of that, and I will severely punish you. Am I making myself clear? '

Ava nodded silently.

' Good,' Gisbourne replied,' you will go to your room and make yourself aquainted with the rest of the staff before reporting to the kitchen and helping to make my lunch.'

Gisbourne swept away, and Thornton led Ava out of the lobby, through a door to the servants quarters. Once they had walked down a long corridor and through another door, he then stopped to look at her.

' What's going on? ' he asked in a hushed voice, although there was no one around.

Ava sighed,' I got caught. They took me to Nottingham. The Sheriff offered to spare my life if I became a servant. '

Thornton nodded,' We knew you'd been caught. Charlotte went to meet your father earlier on to hand over some food supplies. She told him you'd been caught. They'll come and rescue you.'

Ava shook her head,' The thing is, even if they do manage to get to me, I don't know if they'll be able to rescue me. And with Marian gone, we need someone on the inside.'

Thornton bit his lip,' This place will crush your spirit. It's not the right place for you. You should be in the forest, and you soon will be. '

He walked down the corridor that they were currently in, pointing to doors and telling her whose bedroom lay behind each door - some servants shared, some up to three and four in one room.

He stopped near the end of the corridor,' This is the only room left down here. Luckily for you, it's a single room. I guess you'll want that, what with the baby,' he said as he swung the door open.

Ava looked sheepishly down at a now sleeping Marie,' She's Marian's niece,' she informed Thornton,' Marian's dying sister came here not long ago, wanting to give baby Marie to her sister to care for. When she died, she left her to me and Much.'

Ava looked around the room - it was actually quite big . . . Ava was willing to bet it was bigger than some of the other rooms around here. It was very dusty, as though it had been out of use for years. A bed was in the middle, with a few wardrobes and a dresser around the walls.

She then crossed the room to look out of the window - she quickly worked out that this room had to be at the back of the manor. It over looked the garden of the manor, and the stables. Behind that was the glorious view of the high grassy bank which overlooked the village, with the forest nearby.

Ava sighed, looking around,' Well,' she said,' I guess this is it. '

Thornton merely nodded,' I'll leave you aone for a while. You just come to the kitchens some time within the next half hour of master Guy will be angry.'

*****

Ava spent the time that followed wallowing in the room, trying to think of the positive.

She was about to leave the room, after having wrapped the still sleeping Marie up and set her down in the bed - pausing only for a moment to contemplate how there needed to be somewhere for Marie to sleep.

But a low whistle stopped her movement.

Frowning, she closed the bedroom door again, and hurried to the window.

She looked out in confusion - seeing nothing.

' Down here,' muttered a low male voice.

Suprised, Ava looked down, and locked eyes with a pair identical to her own.

' Dad! Get in here, they'll see you! ' she hissed, leaning out of the window and grasping his hand, pulling him up until he was in the room.

Allan exhaled quickly, wrapping her in a warm hug and kissing her cheek.

' What's going on? ' he demanded to know,' Charlotte said you'd been caught . . . and I saw her when I went into the kitchens to find out more just now . . . she said you'd been put in the furtherst bedroom in the servants quarters. Why've they put you here? Why not in the cells? '

Ava nodded,' Much told me to run. So I did. And I got caught. They took me to Nottingham, and the Sheriff told me I didn't have to die if I became a servant for Gisbourne. So here I am. '

Allan's eyes widened immensley,' No,' he raged,' we could have rescued you. We will rescue you.'

' Don't be stupid,' Ava dismissed,' It's a miracle that you got up here without being caught. I'll never get out. '

' I won't let you work for him,' Allan insisted,' you forget that I already have, and I'm telling you now, it wasn't nice. It'll change you - make you a diferent person - and I won't let anything happen to you. '

' I'm sorry but I have to go now,' Ava said,' I need to make Gisbourne's lunch. '

' Ava,' Allan sighed.

Ava too, sighed,' Are you going to kiss goodbye to your grand-daughter? ' she asked.

Allan laughed,' I am not a grandfather! '

' Yes you are,' shrugged Ava, as Allan kissed Marie's forehead,' Marie is my daughter now, and I'm yours, hence, you're her grand father. '

' I'm only 34! ' Allan whined.

Ava didn't stop to consider that - she had ben concieved when Allan was 15, and she was now 19, making him 34.

' I have to go,' she said,' you take care of yourself.'

' Ava,' Allan said again.

' No,' Ava said, hovering by the door,' this is -'

' What? ' Allan demanded,' this is what you want? '

' No,' Ava said quickly,' but this is what I have to do.'

There was a pause before Allan said,' I'll come back later. We'll all come back for you.'

' I don't care,' Ava said coldly,' do what you want.'

*****

Ava was in the kitchen by the time Gisbourne's lunch was ready. She was handed a large tray laden with many foods, and told to take in into the dining room.

When she entered the dining room, Gisbourne was already sat there, knife and fork in his hand.

She lay down the tray without speaking and was about to leave when he stopped her.

' Excuse me, girl,' he said simply, his tone even.

Internally sighing, Ava turned around to face him. She raised his her eyebrows,' Yes?'

' I think you mean "Yes, Sir Guy" ' Gisbourne corrected.

Ava nodded meekly,' Yes, Sir Guy,' she repeated, waiting to see what he 'wanted with her.

Gisbourne looked at her, with eyes narrowing in that way they so often did when he was angry,' You didn't curtsey,' he told her.

' I - I beg your pardon? ' Ava scoffed.

Gisbourne shrugged,' It's no laughing matter, girl. You will show me respect, you will use my title, and you will curtsey when you leave my presence. '

' Forgive me, Sir Guy,' Ava sighed,' I am unfamiliar with how I should act around a noble. ' She bobbing him a low little curtsey, nodding her head before leaving the room.

*****

The rest of the day was spent not doing much - merely getting to know the rest of the staff, and getting to grips with the rooms and layout of the castle.

She had just come back from eating her own brief dinner of bread and cheese, and a bit of chicken, and was sitting on her bed.

She sighed, picking up Marie and humming to her softly.

Marie laughed, and Ava smiled, tapping the child on her nose.

' Yes,' she nodded,' who's a little beauty, eh? You are. You are,' she cooed.

There was a knock at the door, and a call followed,' It's me, Thornton. '

' Come in,' Ava answered, relaxing once she knew who was there.

The old men entered the room and smiled at her softly.

' How are you? ' he asked.

Ava shrugged,' Not too good, but that's to be expected, isn't it? '

' So you are staying? ' he asked, intruiged.

' I don't know,' Ava admitted,' It seems like an advantageous move for the good of the gang - someoneon the inside - but I'll miss them all so much, and I don't know if Robin will allow it. I want to see him. And I want my friends. And I want my dad. '

Thornton nodded.

Ava sniffed,' He dropped in earlier. And I was so horrible to him - I shut him out and I sent him away. And I want my husband - he'll be so worried about me. I've not spent a night away from him in ages.'

Thornton merely nodded again, trying to think of the right words to fit.

Ava sighed, running one of her fingers through the thin brown hair that sat a top of Marie's head.

' Can I ask you something about this room?' Ava said suddenly, looking up at the elder man.

' Of course you may,' Thornton nodded.

Ava frowned as she looked around,' This room is much bigger than the other servants rooms, isn't it? It's more like a guest room from upstairs. Why is that? And how come a room so nice as this hasn't been snapped up by one of the other servants who wanted an up grade already? '

Thornton, to her suprise, smiled,' You're a bright girl,' he said looking all around the room,' it's true that this room hasn't been used in years. It's last occupant was the very best friend of the master of the house, and the master was insistant that his friend have a fine room in exchange for his many years of servitude. When the occupant left, the room was kept free in memorium to his great deeds to the shire - another room upstairs has been left free because the current master could not bear to sleep in the bedroom of his worst enemy . . . '

He looked at her, waiting for her to catch on.

Ava raised her eyebrows, a smile forming on her lips,' The old master was Robin . . . his best friend Much . . . which makes this . . . Much's old bedroom? '

' Yes,' Thornton nodded,' and as I say - it's been empty since Much and Robin went to the Holy Land - let me see, they were there 5 years, and have been back 3 - it's been empty 8 years. Thought you might like to know whose bed you were sleeping in.'

Two short whistles followed by a longer one sounded through, reaching their ears.

Thornton raised his eyebrows at Ava,' You know it? ' he asked.

Ava leapt from her seat on the bed, and made for the window, opening the shutters of the window.

' That's Robin's whistle,' she told Thornton over her shoulder.

Thornton nodded,' I'd best be going in that case. '

As he left the room, Ava threw back the shutters and looked down to see Robin climbing up the ravine attached to the building.

' Now a good time? ' he asked, once he was close enough to her.

She nodded stiffly,' In,' she said,' before someone sees you.'

She moved out of the way, and the next instant, Robin had swung himself into the room, landing on his feet in the middle of the room.

' How do you do that? ' she demanded, a hand at her heart.

Robin shrugged,' I've had plenty of practise. When we were younger lads, I'd climb up here and throw myself in to scare Much. '

Ava shook her head,' Robin Hood, you're awful! ' she laughed.

Robin shook his head,' Not awful, Ava. Never awful - just mischevious. But don't we have more important things to discuss right now . . .such as your current mess? '

Ava sighed, biting her lip.

Robin nodded,' So. What we - that is, the gang - know so far, is that you were caught. Gisbourne took you to Nottingham. Vasey offered to spare your life if you became a servant for Gisbourne. And you agreed. What I can't work out is why? '

Ava stood there in silence, watching as a dark shadow crossed Robin's face.

He ranted on,' Is there a defect on the A Dale gene which means you all have the insane urge to double-cross your friends, and join the other side? What convinced you? Was it the money? The power? The sense of security of being with Gisbourne? '

' No! '

' If you wanted to leave the gang, you could have just said so. No one's stopping you leaving. I'm sorry if we're not good enough for you, and I'm sorry if we're holding you back . . .'

' Everyone - they - the gang think I've done it because I don't want to be with you all any more? '

' Why do you think your beloved husband isn't here? ' Robin retorted.

Ava sniffed,' It - it's not like that,' she said, shrinking away from her friend, scared and alarmed by the outrage at her.

She brushed her hair away from her face,' I was terrified alright? They were going to hang me? Maybe a while ago, I'd have let them, and I'd have died willingly if it meant dying for the cause, to help out. But I have a husband and a child who needs me. My death isn't going to solve anything at all, or help anyone at all.'

Robin was listening now, the expression on his face slowly melting.

Ava continued,' I thought that I could actually be some use here . . . you know, with Marian gone, we could do with someone on the inside to feed out some information, right? I could be some use here. '

Robin sighed when she had finished,' Come here,' he said, reaching out and bringing her close to him. She rested her cheek against his shoulder, and hugged him tightly.

' Oh Robin,' she said, one hand curling itself into his shirt.

Robin rubbed her back in what he meant to be a soothing circular motion,' I'm sorry for what I said,' he told her,' it was unforgiveable ad stupid and I'm sorry. '

Ava pulled away from him, looking at him carefully,' Does Much really think that I've deserted you all because I'm fed up of you? '

Robin looked at her awkwardly, 'You know how Much is, he gets a bit insecure sometimes, doesn't he? He thinks that he's somehow pushed you away or something. '

' Oh no,' Ava muttered in a small voice,' I - tell him that's not true, won't you? Don't let him believe that. I love him more than he'll ever know. '

Robin noted her choice of words,' You want me to tell him? As you not you, because you're planning on staying here.'

Ava shook her head,' I won't stay here if you don't think that it's a good idea. I'm only doing it to try and help out the gang.'

Robin sighed,' I don't know, Ava. I didn't like it when Marian was doing this - it made Gisbourne fall in love with her, and ended in her death. Somehow, I don't think I'll like it any the more because it's you. In fact, I think I'll like it even less . . . you don't know what you're doing around the nobles. And Much, and Allan, and Will will all be more worried than they were wih Marian. There's more people for me to have to keep under control.'

Ava nodded,' I understand. It's too big a risk . .. I just thought that, since we have no idea about what Gisbourne and the Sheriff are planning to do next . . . '

Robin frowned, thinking it over,' I don't know what to tell you,' he said,' I don't want to put you in danger, but we could do with someone, like you say . . . '

Ava laid a hand on his arm,' I'll be really careful,' she said,' I'll be polite - well, I'll be less than evil - to Gisbourne and the Sheriff. I'll make them think that I'm on their side. And when I have the chance, I'll leave for a quick bit to feed you some information.'

After much more talking and thinking it over, Robin and Ava agreed that it was for the best that Ava stay inside the manor and do her best to dig around and be on the watch for some information.

Robin hugged Ava again as he prepared to leave.

He kissed her forehead,' You take care little sis,' he said,' and you look after my little niece too.'

' You'll send everyone my love? And you'll talk to Much for me? '

' Of course I will,' Robin agreed, laying both of his hands on her shoulders,' now I want you to be very, very, careful. He's dangerous. '

' I know. '

' You don't know exactly,' Robin said, dismissing it,' None of us know what he's capable of. '

' I promise I'll be careful.'

' Good,' Robin said firmly,' and if you ever think there's the slightest chance that Gisbourne's rumbled what you're up to, then you tell me as soon as possible and you get out.'

Ava nodded.

' I'll always be there to help you,' Robin said,' we all will, but we'll not be there all the time - you have to use your initative and fend for yourself.'

' I know. '

Robin sighed,' I know you know, but I feel like I have to tell you. I don't think I should be letting you do this.'

' It's going to help in the long run,' Ava said,' now go before you change your mind.'

Robin nodded,' I'll see you soon,' he said, as he began to clamber out of the window.

' Wait! ' Ava hissed before he left,' when will I see any of you? '

Robin's feet hit the ground,' Meet me tomorrow. Noon in the market at Nottingham town? '

Ava shrugged,' Not noon. I can try for 5pm? '

' We'll be there. '