Episode 4
Day of Her Downfall
It took two weeks to restore Annabelle to full health. After the first week she began to get restless and adopted an irritable attitude when she could not join Robin on his escapades into Nottingham. Annabelle's injury prevented her from horse riding, sword fighting, punching people and lifting heavy things which were what she did best. The only thing Annabelle was allowed to do in her two week break was to visit Marian but she only managed the trip once. Annabelle was overjoyed when Djaq told her her body was fully rested and restored. She celebrated by running off and killing a deer for their dinner and for the rest of that night she stood in the corner of the camp, attacking a dummy and laughing with glee every time she hit it, which happened to be every time. The outlaws were all celebrating Annabelle's recovery as well. They were glad that they did not have to put up with the complaints and feisty remarks that they had become accustomed to over that past two weeks. Little did they know of the trouble that was being caused at Knighton Hall.
"Ah Marian, so glad we caught you at home." Said the Sheriff as he barged through her door. Marian jumped up in alarm.
"My Lord, to what do I owe the pleasure?" The Sheriff sneered at her question.
"Oh you know very well young Missy," He hissed as Guy of Gisborne and a collection of guards tramped through her front door also. "Get the old man." Vasey ordered. Three guards left the room and went upstairs.
"Guy, what's happening?" Marian asked, terrified. Gisborne glared at her.
"That's Sir Guy to you," He spat. The Sheriff chuckled.
"Aww, you're not Gissy's favourite anymore." Taunted the Sheriff. The guards thundered back down the stairs with Sir Edward in a vice-like grip.
"Please, tell him go!" Shouted Marian. "He is frail!"
"He is frail," The Sheriff mocked. Gisborne laughed.
"Please, tell us what we have done to deserve such treatment!"
"Oh you know very well what you have done. Fraternising with the enemy you have! But we have caught you out." Marian gave him a blank look. "See I have a very reliable source that told me you have been having meetings with Annabelle Hood."
"Annabelle arrived unexpectedly and I told her to leave my house because she was in league with Robin Hood but that was over three weeks ago!" Lied Marian.
"Yes well that's what I thought when I first heard the story but then my source goes on to tell me that she has visited you another time. Just yesterday in fact!" He cried dramatically.
"I…no…that's…" Marian stuttered but she could not think up of a lie quick enough.
"So it's true, you are with Hood?" Gisborne asked her with fierce eyes.
"No I am not!" But both the Sheriff and Gisborne saw through her lie.
"And if you deal with one Hood, you have to be dealing with the other." The Sheriff said with a taunting smile. He turned to Gisborne. "I told you she didn't love you Gissy, she loves Robin Hood." He cackled with laughter. "Get her and take them both to the castle dungeons." He ordered. Two more guards grabbed Marian and marched both Edward and his daughter from their house.
"Guy what's happening?" Allan asked when he saw the prisoners being dragged through the gates into Nottingham Castle. Gisborne smirked at him.
"We've caught two of Hood's friends."
"Which Hood?" Allan asked, following Gisborne up the stone steps as they walked at a fast pace.
"Both," He spat with contempt. Allan and Gisborne watched Marian and her fragile father be dragged down into the dungeons, Marian screaming for them to let her father go.
The Sheriff bounced on the balls of his feet, a gleeful grin gracing his manic face.
"I feel a hanging coming on!" He exclaimed joyously. "What do you think Gisborne?"
"Perfect," He muttered.
"Aww poor Gissy feels betrayed." Mocked the Sheriff. "But don't worry Gisborne; she'll get what's coming to her." He cackled happily. "Maybe we can kill her father first just so she feels the most pain. Oh! Oh!" The Sheriff clapped his hands together excitedly. "Or we can kill the girl and hope the old man dies of heart ache. And if he doesn't, well, I'm sure he'll starve to death. Oh that's good, that's very good!" He turned to the only other two people in the chamber. "What say you?" He asked pointing at Allan.
"Oh…yes – good." He spluttered. Vasey jumped up and down with excitement.
"You, go tell dear Marian that she is to be executed tomorrow at sundown." Allan quickly looked to Gisborne but as he made no attempt to give him different orders Allan left the room. "Don't worry Gisborne," Began the Sheriff as he rubbed Gisborne's shoulders in attempted yet mocking comfort. "There are many other pretty girls out there."
"Get off me!" He spat and stomped from the room, the Sheriff's laughter following him out into the corridor beyond.
Down in the dungeon Allan was waiting for the jailer to leave. The jailer in question was looking at him suspiciously and was making no effort to leave the dungeons.
"Get going!" Allan yelled, pointing his finger at the door. The jailer cast him one last dirty look and left, slamming the heavy door behind him.
"Allan what's happening?" Marian asked from her cell. Allan turned to face her. Marian's eyes were filled with petrified tears and her hands were shaking against the bars of her cell.
"You're to be hung tomorrow at sundown." He told her softly.
"No!" Edward exclaimed.
"And what of my father?" Marian asked, tears streaming down her cheeks. Allan shrugged.
"He will stay in his cell, though the Sheriff might make him watch your execution, knowing him."
"No, no I will go in Marian's place. Annabelle saw me, don't hang my daughter!" Edward yelled from the other side of the room.
"Allan," Whispered Marian. "Allan," She said again. Allan turned his bright blue eyes on Marian. "Tell Robin; go tell Robin of what is happening, please." Allan looked around to make sure no one was listening.
"If I go to the camp they'll kill me," He whispered, his own eyes filling with tears.
"I will tell Robin of what you have done for me, please Allan." But Allan just shook his head and left the dungeon.
Later that night Marian received another visitor.
"Guy please," Marian pleaded. Gisborne glared at her.
"It was not Marian who Annabelle was meeting!" Yelled Edward. "It was me! Kill me, not her!"
"SHUT UP OLD MAN!" Roared Gisborne,
"Guy please," Marian repeated. "Please help us,"
"Why should I help you?" His tone of voice was cold and distant like his eyes.
"You don't believe this do you? Why would we be in league with Robin and Annabelle?" Gisborne did not say anything. "I'm not in league with them."
"DON'T LIE TO ME!" He bellowed. Marian jumped away from the bars of her cell in alarm and fright. "You have been meeting Hood ever since he became an outlaw! All your rides into the forest and his sister visiting your house all point to it! You've been passing information to him this whole time! Haven't you?" Marian shook her head frantically, more tears streaming down her rosy cheeks.
"No! No! No! I haven't!" She wailed.
"You're despicable!" Gisborne spat and turning on his heel he left the dungeon.
"Shh Marian its okay," Soothed her father from his separate cell. "Robin will come," But even Edward was doubtful of the famous outlaw's appearance.
Later on that evening everyone was sitting around the fire in the camp, laughing and talking with a goblet of mead in their hands. Annabelle had bought the flagon from a poor merchant in Nottingham and now the outlaws were all enjoying a cup after another fine meal. At that moment Robin stood and coughed loudly. Everyone fell silent and looked to Robin, waiting for him to say something.
"I have an announcement to make," He began, smiling widely. From his pocket he pulled a small, wooden tag. "I'd like to officially induct Annabelle Hood into our gang." Annabelle grinned broadly and jumped to her feet. Robin hung the tag around her neck and kissed her on the cheek. The rest of the gang applauded as Robin hugged his sister. Little John raised his goblet.
"To Annabelle, our newest member!" They all toasted her and drank deeply.
"Thanks Robin," Annabelle whispered so only her brother could hear. Robin smiled and grabbing her hand, dragged her from the camp.
"Annabelle," Robin began as they walked through Sherwood Forest. "I hope with this initiation everything is past us now and-"
"Robin," Annabelle said with a small laugh, cutting him off. "I know I said I forgave you but I didn't. I was still so angry. But I have put that past me now, all of it, and I do forgive you. I just want everything to go back to how it was, when we were kids. When we laughed and got into trouble, but always together. I don't want to fight anymore." Robin smiled at her.
"I just hope you stay for a while longer than you first intended to…" Robin left his words hanging and looked hopefully at Annabelle.
"I don't know," She began. "I am beginning to like it here." They both smiled widely and returned to the camp, arm in arm.
That night Allan lay awake in his sleeping chambers. Marian's words were echoing in his head, making him uneasy and restless. Tell Robin. Go tell Robin of what is happening. I will tell Robin of what you have done for me. Please Allan. Please. It was almost dawn when Allan shakily stood from his bed and left his chambers, rubbing his tired eyes as he went.
In the outlaws camp a chorus of snores could he heard. All were sleeping, all that was except Annabelle who had just returned from delivering money to the people of Nettlestone. She removed her cloak and stumbled toward her bed, hoping to get a few hours sleep before the rest of the gang woke and the sun had properly risen. She fiddled with the tag Robin had presented her and smiled in content. She turned around to see Robin waking from a light slumber. She walked to his bedside and sat down just as Robin sat up.
"You're not hurt?" He asked her, looking at Annabelle's shoulder with apprehension.
"I'm fine. I was only seen by the townsfolk."
"Good. Annabelle I've been thinking-" But what Robin thought Annabelle never found out because she hushed him. Robin stopped talking and they both listened to the leaves crunch outside the camp.
"Someone's coming," Annabelle whispered. They both jumped to their feet. Annabelle grabbed her dagger and stood by the doorway while Robin notched an arrow and stood with the tip pointing to the entrance of the camp. Annabelle and Robin shared a quick glance just before the entrance opened and a dull light flooded the camp. There stood Allan-a-Dale, framed against the light.
"Whoa! Please don't shoot, I've come alone!" He shouted when he saw Robin aiming the arrow at his head.
"Well, well, well if it isn't the traitor." Annabelle remarked, emerging from the shadows, a small smirk gracing her red lips. Allan jumped in alarm and eyed her dagger wearily. Some of the outlaws stirred and Little John woke up due to Annabelle's loud voice. He growled when he saw Allan and grabbed his staff.
"Look I've come because Marian's in trouble," Allan said hurriedly, glancing at all the weapons. Robin lowered his bow slightly.
"Go on," He ordered.
"The Sheriff and Gisborne arrested her and Sir Edward yesterday because one of the guards that are watching their house saw Annabelle-" He inclined his head toward Robin's sister. "-leaving their. Marian and her father are locked in the dungeon in the castle." Allan paused to look at all the weapons again. Even Djaq's sword had joined the collection.
"What's going to happen to her?" Robin asked with a hint of fear.
"She's going to be hung, today, at sundown." Annabelle's dagger dropped to the ground with a clatter.
"Robin I'm sorry," Annabelle whispered.
"What about Edward?" Robin asked, ignoring his sister's words.
"The Sheriff is hoping he will die of heart ache because of Marian's death and if he doesn't the Sheriff will starve him." Robin dropped his bow in shock and horror.
"I'm really sorry Robin," Annabelle repeated.
"It's not your fault Belle," Robin said and engulfed her in a hug.
"We have to go to Nottingham," Annabelle said once Robin had pulled away.
"We have to save her," Robin agreed.
"Robin it could be a trap!" Will exclaimed as he stood by Djaq.
"Then we go to Knighton Hall," Robin declared. Will, Djaq and Little John glanced quickly at each other and then looked at Allan.
"What are you still doing here?" Little John snarled. Allan instantly became nervous and he fiddled with a loose thread on his shirt.
"Well…" He began. "Marian did say that she would vouch for me, she would talk to you Robin." Allan looked into Robin's eyes. "I've been a fool, a complete fool. I want to come back to the gang, please, I've changed, seriously I have."
"No," Little John said with finality to his tone. Robin held up a hand to silence him.
"I see you have money on you," Allan looked down at the money bag hanging from his belt. "Give it here,"
"It's all I have," Allan said.
"Good," Robin held out his hand. Allan unhooked the bag and handed it to him. Robin pocketed it.
"Please Robin, I've never told Gisborne about the camp or you and Marian. I didn't tell them when you and her-" He pointed at Annabelle. She grinned maliciously. "-visited me. I've realised my mistakes. Please Robin,"
"If Marian can vouch for you when I see her, than you shall be back in the gang. If she cannot, I will hang you from the tallest tree in Sherwood and make sure everyone knows of whom you really are, a traitor."
"Oh thank you Robin, thank you." Allan said with a relieved grin.
"To Knighton Hall," Robin said and after picking up his weapons he left the camp.
"Traitor," Will muttered as he followed Robin.
"Scum," Little John hissed. Djaq simply looked at him as she walked past. Annabelle however slung one arm around his shoulders and grinned seductively at him. Allan blushed and averted his eyes. The string of outlaws wound there way through Sherwood Forest, finally reaching Knighton Hall.
"Annabelle with me, the rest of you wait here." Robin commanded. He and Annabelle ran to the back window of the house and climbed inside. The house was deserted.
"If your traitor friend is telling the truth then Gisborne may have positioned guards here, expecting us to turn up." Annabelle reasoned. They both unsheathed their swords and split up to search the house.
"Anything?" Robin asked when they met in the main room. Annabelle shook her head. "To the castle then," Robin said and they both jumped back out of the window and ran into the forest.
In Nottingham, the group of outlaws were all hiding in a small alcove. The town square was riddled with guards.
"What are they saying?" Will asked, straining his ears to hear. A guard walked close by there hiding spot and yelled for all to hear.
"Hanging at sundown today! All come and watch a noble be hung!" Robin and Annabelle shared a petrified look.
"What's the plan Robin?" Will asked.
"If all these guards are out here then there won't be many inside-"
"Actually," Allan began. "The Sheriff has doubled the amount of guards he has. There will be just as many inside as out." Robin sighed in aggravation.
"We have to get both Marian and Edward out of there alive. Allan, do you know if Edward will be there at sundown or if he will be in the dungeon?" Allan shrugged.
"The Sheriff didn't say, sorry Robin." Robin sighed again.
"It's okay," He told Allan, patting him on the back.
"Robin I think the best thing to do is to wait until sundown." Annabelle suggested.
"I don't want to wait that long Belle, I have to do something, I have to see Marian!"
"I know but there's nothing we can do. We should all go back to camp and wait until afternoon."
"No, I'm not leaving here. I have to make sure they don't…don't hang her before then." Annabelle rubbed his shoulder comfortingly.
"I have a friend who lives here and I'm sure he will let us stay for the day." Will said. So the outlaws pulled their hoods over their heads and walked to Will's friends' house, Annabelle and Robin trailing behind the rest.
Will's friend who was also a carpenter supplied Robin with new arrows and polished Little John and Will's weapons. He supplied them with rope and other things that they needed for their afternoon adventure. He also let Annabelle and Allan sleep for they both did not get the chance the night before. Annabelle however found she could not sleep because of her worry for Marian and Edward.
"How could I let this happen?" Robin said when he and Annabelle sat alone in the dining room.
"It's not your fault Robin, if anything it's mine." But Robin shook his head and said no more. Annabelle grabbed her bag and tipped the contents onto the table. Small metal balls, rope, staple food, loose money, jewellery, clothes, her mask, a book and a collapsible bow and a bundle of arrows rolled onto the table top. She carefully packed them all back into her bag, making sure she could easily reach the balls, the bow and arrow and the rope.
"Where's my book?" Annabelle asked aloud as she looked around for it. Robin, who was looking at the cover with glazed eyes, did not hear her.
"Why do you still have this?" He asked her, holding the small book up. Annabelle snatched it from his hands with a small glare in his direction.
"Because," She said brusquely.
"I thought you burnt everything I gave you?"
"Not everything," She mumbled and placed the book back in the bag. That was when Robin saw it. As she moved her arm the neck of Annabelle's blouse fluttered, revealing a small golden sword set on half a coloured shield strung around her neck. Robin laughed loudly, gaining him a very confused look from his sister.
"I thought you threw yours away?" He said as he unclipped a gold chain from around his own neck. On the chain dangled a single arrow set against the other half of the shield. Annabelle blushed and unclipped her own necklace. She gave it to Robin who placed both pieces together on the table top. There sat a whole necklace. The sword and arrow were crossed over against the Locksley coat of arms.
"I could never throw it away," Annabelle mumbled as she placed the necklace around her neck again. Robin copied her action. The pair sat in silence for the next few hours, undisturbed by the rest of the outlaws.
"Robin it's time," Djaq said softly as she entered the dining room. Both Robin and Annabelle stood up, pained yet determined expressions on their faces. Annabelle secured her belt to her waist, both her sword and dagger hanging from it. Robin slung his quiver on his back and picked up his bow. Annabelle tossed her bag over her shoulder and both brother and sister left the room in silence. The whole gang fell silent when they saw Annabelle and Robin enter the sitting room.
"Here's the plan," Robin began. "Will and Djaq will go into the dungeons and retrieve Edward if he is not already at the hangman's platform. If he is he will be heavily guarded. If that is the case Allan will join you two. As soon as you have Edward, leave the castle." The three nodded. "Little John, you can stay with Annabelle by the hangman's platform. Both of you get Marian and leave. Much and I will be on the battlements. Is that clear?" Everyone nodded. They all stood in silence and filed out the door, shaking Will's friend's hand as they went.
The outlaws were able to conceal themselves in the massive crowd of villagers that were swarming toward the castle. When they entered the castle walls they saw a long stage erected at the entrance to the castle with many extravagant chairs placed on top. The largest of all was positioned in the middle, directly in line with the hangman's noose. The platform itself loomed over the outlaws, filling them with worry and dread. Robin nodded to them all and they took their positions. Little John and Annabelle stood by the platform, Will and Djaq moved to a door close to the dungeons, Allan by the portcullis and Robin and Much atop the battlements who had to hide from the guards who were patrolling up and down the wall. The Sheriff arrived in all his splendour. He sat down in the grand chair, a relaxed expression on his face though his eyes danced with excitement and glee. A group of young serving maids surrounded him with plates of food and goblets of wine. Guy of Gisborne soon appeared and sat down on the Sheriff's right. Many other nobles came and sat down. By the time the large courtyard was filled, so were all the chairs, except one. The chair to Gisborne's right was vacant. It was apparently for Allan.
"Bring out the prisoner!" Yelled the Sheriff happily. A door to the left of the castle burst open. Marian appeared, surrounded by ten guards. Many people in the audience gasped and a woman started to wail. The guards dragged Marian by the chain that encircled her wrists to the hanging platform. She was dragged ungracefully up the stairs. Robin wrenched his eyes away from Marian to nod to Will and Djaq. They disappeared through the door that Marian had just come through. The Sheriff held up his hand for the guards to stop. He stood up. Silence fell.
"I'd like this day to be a lesson to all. It does not matter who you are or how well connected you can be, if you are communicating with Hood - both of them-" He added. "Then the consequence will be death." He smiled his wicked smile and sat back down again. "Continue," He said cheerily. The guards removed the chains and forced her onto the small stool to reach the noose. "No bag," The Sheriff said when the hangman made to grab for it. Marian began to cry freely now. Tears streamed down her beautiful face leaving long tracks along her rosy cheeks. The Sheriff gained more enjoyment from this scene. Gisborne however showed no emotion, he simply stared at a back wall with apparent boredom. Robin notched an arrow but let the string lie loose. The hangman placed the noose around Marian's neck.
"At least I will die for a cause I believe in!" Marian yelled to the people. The Sheriff held up his hand for the hangman to stop.
"Let her speak," He said. "Go on Marian dear,"
"I have fought for England and I am dying for England! Fight against the Lords! Fight against those who are making you suffer! Uphold the Midnight Highwayman's legacy! Uphold the Night Watchman's legacy and most of all uphold Robin Hood's legacy!" Marian turned to face the Sheriff now. "King Richard will return and you and Prince John will be knocked from your thrones. Robin will stop you."
"Will he now?" The Sheriff asked bitingly. "But I don't see him here now, saving you?" Marian was silent.
"Really Sheriff? Because I see him!" Shouted Robin from the battlements. "Because the good thing about communicating with Robin Hood is that he will save you."
"Do it, do it now!" Vasey yelled to the hangman. He kicked the stool that Marian was standing on. She dropped. Robin tightened the string on his bow and shot the arrow. It soared through the air and severed the rope. Marian fell onto the platform. Annabelle jumped up and began fighting the guards who were trying to get at Marian. Many people screamed and ran for the gates out into the town. Little John grabbed Marian and dragged her to the ground, away from the fighting.
"Stay here," He ordered, shoving her under the hangman's platform so he could help fight off the guards. Atop the battlements, both Robin and Much were fighting off at least ten guards each and winning spectacularly.
"Good evening Vasey!" Annabelle yelled happily as she withdrew her sword from a guard's stomach. Annabelle jumped down from the platform to fight another horde of guards that were advancing toward her and Little John. Standing on the platform was Marian. She had a guards' dagger in her hand and was fighting off those who had not encountered Annabelle.
"Get Hood!" Shouted Vasey as he stood from his chair. Gisborne ran down the steps with his sword drawn. Annabelle welcomed the challenge. With a clash of metal on metal Annabelle and Gisborne were locked in a fierce battle. Across the almost empty courtyard Will and Djaq emerged, Sir Edward supported between them.
"Allan help us!" Will called. Allan ran across and relieved Djaq of Edward so she could protect them from the guards that were coming at them.
"Why does nothing ever go to plan!" Yelled the Sheriff angrily as he watched Edward and the three outlaws leave the castle walls unscathed. Robin and Much were still fighting on the battlements but were desperately trying to get back down to the ground. With a triumphant yell Annabelle managed to hit Gisborne over the side of the head with the flat side of her sword. He fell onto the cobblestones unconscious. "You're not getting away this time Hood!" Yelled Vasey as he advanced on her with his sword. Annabelle grinned maliciously and braced herself for the fight. Their swords clashed.
"You will never win Vasey," Annabelle said merrily. The Sheriff sneered and parried her advancement. Annabelle and Vasey were locked in such a fast and hateful battle that they seemed to dance. They moved across the courtyard, their swords flashing and sparks flying. They drew close to where Marian and Little John were fighting, coming dangerously close to Marian who was deep in combat with a large guard. She managed to kill him just as the Sheriff's sword flew out of his hand and landed on the stone with a clatter. Annabelle gave a triumphant laugh and raised her sword for the final blow. The Sheriff quickly darted forward and pulled Annabelle's own glittering dagger from her belt and thrust it through her abdomen. Everything seemed to stop. Annabelle's sword fell from her hands and clattered on the cobblestones. Marian froze in horror and atop the battlements echoed a long and mournful sound,
"NOOOOOO!" Robin shouted as he made to jump from the battlements to get to his sister. Much restrained him. "ANNABELLE!" Vasey pulled the dagger out of her stomach, a victorious and malicious grin gracing his face. Annabelle fell to the ground. And suddenly, everything seemed to quicken.
"Time to go," Little John told Marian as he threw her over his shoulder and ran from the courtyard. Robin sprinted down the steps, sending guards flying.
"Master we have to go!" Much shouted as he ran to the slowly lowering portcullis but Robin ignored him. With tears splashing down his front Robin ran towards Annabelle's still body and picked her up in his arms. Dimly he heard Vasey yelling to the few remaining guards to kill him as well. Robin did not care. He walked with Annabelle across the courtyard and under the gateway. The portcullis smashed behind him but he did not hear it through the ringing that had started up in his ears. He looked upon his sister. Her face was pale and although her body remained lifeless her face looked peaceful. Much took Robin by the shoulders and began steering him through the strangely deserted streets. Through the windows of the houses that surrounded them sad and mournful faces peered at them. But Robin did not care for their tears; he cared only for the girl in his arms, the girl he himself was crying for.
Robin was so numb from the pain he was oblivious to everything else that was happening around him. He didn't even realise that he had arrived back at camp. He carefully placed Annabelle on his bed and arranged her clothes in a neat fashion. She looked like she was sleeping. Robin hoped she was although he knew she was not. Marian walked up to him and placed her hand on his shoulder but he shrugged her off. Robin fell to his knees. He balled Annabelle's cloak in his fists and cried into it.
"Master we're going to collect firewood," Everyone left the camp. They left Robin to cry and weep and mourn for his sister. His sister that would never laugh again. His sister that would never rage again. His sister that would never fight again. And in that moment, Robin's heart broke. It split along the seam that Annabelle had just stitched only days ago. Although it mended in the years to come, his heart was never the same, not without his sister, not without his Annabelle.