Illusions 9
I needed to change history for this chapter. In fact, King Richard's captivity was about 1 ½ years, but Ishortened it to ½ year. It didn't make sense for me to have Marian work as a maid for such a long time or leave Guy with his uncle and aunt. I also hope that I don't offend anyone because the way I describe the famous king's personality is anything but flattering.
Again, please be lenient with mistakes. English is not my first language, only a hobby.
Alan knew it was best, if he didn't talk about this incident. But what was Guy doing in this knight's company? By now, Alan knew that Osgood of Gringstow was a faithful subject of King Richard and made no bones about it. But of course! Gringstow hadn't known his nephew before…Clever, Gisborne, very clever! Certainly, Roger of Hale's corpse was buried in some forest in France. This didn't explain everything, but probably something big was behind this, why else this masquerade?
But then Alan's smile faded. Obviously, Guy had come alone to Brycgstow and that meant Marian was not alive any more. Guy had realised where her loyalties and her love lay and that she had only used him. His blank stare at the inn when Guy had asked him whether she loved Robin Hood, had been telltale. Alan swallowed. He had always hoped that she was still alive that she might have been on the run with Guy. It had been obvious that Guy loved her and equally obvious for him that she had been attracted to him despite herself. Robin hadn't seen it and she had probably deceived herself. It hadn't been just a show.
But then he shrugged. Often enough he had tried to protect Marian and it was her fault what had happened. He was not her keeper after all. She had not known how to stop and Guy was not a person to be trifled with. She had thought she could tame the beast but had been mistaken after all. The end had probably been inevitable.
He was not at fault and he had to look out for number one. After Guy and Osgood of Gringstow had left, he tossed a few coins on the table and walked off. Even if the message he had to convey to the Sheriff was probably useless, he would deliver it dutifully. His mien hardened. Sometimes he was disgusted with himself, but it was too late now.
In a good mood, Guy and Osgood returned to Gringstow and Osgood stretches his long legs under the table; bread, bacon and eggs were served and he ate with a big appetite. Guy smiled; Osgood always ate with a big appetite. Then he pushed his plate away, looking lovingly at Anne, the joy in his eyes obvious. "We've sold them all, Anne, and at a prize I wouldn't have expected. That means…we could begin to rebuild the castle."
Guy had not eaten much. Part of him wanted to run away since he was well aware what Osgood's words meant. Another part wanted….After his experience he had sworn to himself not get to love anybody ever again, but with Roger's kinsmen he had thrown all caution to the winds. Dn, sometimes he felt as if he were Roger of Hale, had nearly forgotten his life as Guy of Gisborne. Sometimes he wished he could stay here forever….And why not? He had nobody and his former plans had failed completely. This part of the country was remote and far away from Nottingham; so he would be safe. Never in his life had he felt at ease as he did now, Anne and Osgood replacing the parents he never had. Even his mother….she had been too weak and after a while hadn't even tried. He was alive now; this was more than only existence and only concentrating on revenge.
Perhaps he had a future here, a castle, even children… He didn't remember how the girl had looked like Osgood had talked about, but he didn't care. All these thoughts flashed through his mind when he heard Osgood's voice again. "What do you think, Roger?"
"I like your idea," he said, smiling and Anne got up, embracing him. Osgood nodded, warmth in his eyes. They were always friendly and cordial, but still his heart was not used to this, still he felt unsure and awkward. Two days later they began to rebuild the castle.
I'm so glad that the boy found the way to us, Osgood," Anne whispered to her husband at night in his arms. "When he came here, he was hard up, but now he is laughing again and I know that he likes to be with us. It is as if a weight was lifted from his mind."
Osgood caressed his wife. Everything would come out all right and Roger would become a worthy heir for Gringstow.
Numbly, Robin was sitting on a little hill overlooking the forest and looked over the endless green. The message he had got had changed everything. Everything! King Richard was free and had returned to England. How he had yearned for this day, but had sometimes not dared to believe that it would happen.
Prince John was weak and not called John Softsword without reason – of course only behind his back. With him as a king, England would have perished; he was ambitious, that was obvious. Henry the Lion had demanded a ransom of 150000 marks of silver for Richard. 150000 marks! This was an unthinkable amount of money and Prince John had refused to pay. This would impoverish England, he had stated sanctimoniously. Robin had been afraid that this refusal would be the death sentence for King Richard. But Queen Eleanor had made sure that her son was released. King Richard had sold estates and jewels for the crusade, but now his mother turned everything into money what was possible, silver decoration, chandeliers, silverware, jewels. She even turned to the church for donations. Taxes were raised and many a family was reduced to poverty. "More taxes," a peasant had murmured. "And what for? For a king, who doesn't even speak English. There is rumour that he wanted to sell London. London!" he had looked at Robin and shook his head. "So much money for a single man. Can't be right. I don't care who is king; they shall leave us in peace."
Why didn't the people understand that Richard was England? How long was it that he had seen him in the Holy Land? It had been in Acre, where Gisborne had tried to murder the king.
Gisborne! Hatred blazed up in Robin when he thought of this man; Marian….Robin bit his lips. Who could she do this to him, how could she do this to King Richard to betake herself with this traitor? She had told him that she loved him and only reacted for the sake of appearances and he had believed her. He'd even proposed to her. Her treason hurt, it hurt so badly.
Perhaps it was good that he had other tasks now. He would help to capture King Richard's enemies, who had made themselves at home everywhere in England… He would hunt Vaysey and the Black Knight like rabid dogs and they would be hanged. This time nothing would come in between and Gisborne would pay for everything. He should have blinded him, the traitor. If he hadn't hesitated too long then….But now he would really make Gisborne pay and he would be lucky if he died on the gallows. If it were up to him….
Vaysey was still on the run and with him many who had stuck by him – including Alan. It still hurt thinking of him. He had been a friend once, and they had fought together for King Richard. What had gone wrong and how could he be so wrong about Alan, his envy and his ambition? He would have given him the shirt of his back. Since Gisborne's disappearance Alan had become the Sheriff's right hand man and had not been a more lenient master than Sir Guy before him. It was as if he had forgotten completely where he had come from…and probably he had. But he would get his come-uppance too.
Only some days later Robin was on his way to London. Much accompanied him, but his other friends remained at Nottingham. Robin didn't want to believe it at first. Little John had shook his head. "That's not our fight any longer, Robin, and I don't even know if you are one of us. Don't you care that people are starving? Are you Robin Hood or are you back to being the Earl of Huntington. Do you even think about anybody besides King Richard? I will make a new life for me and the others and will try to help people in Nottingham." He had looked at Robin and had stared at him angrily and musing." I wonder, if you will even know us a few years from now. You've changed, Robin. Go back to your King." He had spit out, had turned around without looking back. Djaq and Will had made their farewells, but it was quite clear that they were disappointed by Robin.
Furious, Robin urged his mount on. What did they understand of politics and how important it was to safeguard Richard's reign. He would move on; there was nothing more urgent than dispose of Richard's enemies. They dealt with things they thought to be problems whereas England's future was at stake.
"Cara, do you even hear what I'm saying? Why, you can't just leave the broom where…."
Baffled, Alice looked at the new maiden, who dropped her broom and apron and walked out without looking back. Stepping out of the house, Marian drew a deep breath. This morning, a herald had announced that King Richard had been set free and had returned to England. She was free…Vaysey and the likes of him were either dead or had run like rats. She had always known that this ugly, little, self important man was only a coward. She was not in danger from him any more, but why should she return to Nottingham. Her father and Robin were dead and Knighton Hall had gone up in smoke. Had she been happy at first, she felt lonely and forsaken. She shivered, although it was warm and sunny. She was alone. But she could do something; she would join the King, would tell him what Robin and his friends had done for him. King Richard had been Robin's friend….and then? She didn't know.
It was odd; she had been hiding here and hoped for the day to come when she could be herself again. Her days had been filled with work and she had sunk to her pallet, too tired to think of anything but surviving. She had never thought of the future and now the day had come and she was afraid. She had to go to London, but she didn't know, if she would be admitted to the King. Nothing reminded of Lady Marian, who had dazzled Robin and Guy with her beauty. Her hair was matted, her hands raw and her fingernails broken. Lady Marian had possessed many precious garments; the maid Cara owned two shabby, raddled dresses.
Nevertheless, Marian knew that she had to be careful. Many men would hump any woman no matter how she looked like. It was good that she was used to wearing breeches as well as skirts and it was convenient that the washing was on the line right now. She didn't feel guilty taking shirt, breeches and cap; often enough the peasant had tried to feel her up and she had earned little enough coin.
Shortly after, Marian left the farm, her hair covered with the cap and her face smirched with dirt. A trader gave her a ride to London but took nearly all her money. But what was she to do?
She had been in London for two days, but still Marian didn't know how to get in the palace. A single glance at the dirty, ragged boy had been enough and the guard at the portal of the Tower had looked at her threateningly. "Get lost! Do you think the King has time for beggars?" A tad milder he added. "Next week, there will be an alms dealing." As if this had already been to kind, he spit out and held out his lance. "And now off you go!" he growled.
Like many other beggars she had spent the night in the street, her bundle under her head. She was desperate; this way she had not chance to get into the tower, and she didn't have any money to buy a decent dress and change back into Lady Marian. If Robin were with her….but she would never see him again; he was dead, murdered by Vaysey. Tears filled her eyes, but then….Robin's name might open doors for her. At the portal, she saw another guard, a soldier, who had not seen her yet. Determined, she approached him, not backing away from his dark mien. "I've got a message for the King from Robin of Locksley, the Earl of Huntington." The guard surveyed her, suspicious. " A message from the Earl of Huntington? Give it to me then!"
Marian shook her head. „It's not a letter and I am to tell the King himself."
"Just go in, Martin…" one of the soldiers said slowly to his comrade and darted a meaningful look at him. "…and tell them about the boy's message."
Martin disappeared in the courtyard. Only some minutes later he knocked at a heavy oaken door and entered. "My lord, there's a tag rag bloke at the portal, still young and looking rather harmless, but he told us that he had a personal message for the King from Robin of Locksley."
"This is odd indeed," the man, sitting at the table, replied and rose. "Someone wanted to get near the King and thought himself very clever. Let him in and then we'll see, whether he still has a message for the King or not." The guard bowed and left.
This had been much easier than she had thought. It had not been long and the soldier had come back, leading her into the courtyard and into austere room near the entry. "Wait here!" he had muttered and had disappeared, closing the door and securing it with a bolt. Marian paced. What should she tell the King? What if Robin hadn't even mentioned her name? It was not farfetched, although….they had been engaged before and…
She was still standing with her back to the door, when it opened and a familiar voice said. "Now, boy, you've got a message from me for the King?"
Marian whirled around. "Robin….you are alive? Robin…" she whispered. Tears welled up in her eyes and she didn't bother to wipe them away. "Robin…."
"Marian…" Robin replied, his eyes widening, but he didn't come closer. His tone remained matter-of-factly, almost hostile, his eyes hard. Legs spread, he was standing there, his arms folded before his chest. "I didn't expect you….Did your….lover sent you?"
Marian froze; for a second, she was unable to move. What had Robin said? He believed….? She choked with rage, a rage she had never known before; her hand moved on its own accord and came down hard on his cheek. Before he had even time to react, she drove her fist in his belly and kneed him in his groin, so that he went down, howling with pain. "Aaaargh!"
"You!...You!" Marian shouted. She staggered back, covering her face with her fingers and began to sob, shaken by a crying fit.
Martin rushed in, startled by the noise and gazed at the Earl of Huntington, who was still lying on the floor, doubled up with pain and gasping for breath, and the boy he had lead into the room, was standing in a corner, weeping like a girl… Dn, he was a girl! Martin bit his lips; if he laughed out loud, he would rue it afterwards. "My lord, shall I….uhm…?" He didn't know what to say.
Robin didn't look up, but pushed Martin's hand away testily. Then he tried to struggle to his feet, but gave up rather quickly. St, this hurt! Eventually, he managed to sit up and when he looked at Marian, he saw her still standing there, her eyes on him, but unseeing. Tears streamed down her cheeks and her gaze was blank.
He was still hurting like hell, but he clutched Martin's arms and got to his feet, groaning. Then he beckoned the soldier to leave and staggered towards Marian. "Marian…"
"Don't touch me!" Marian cried. „I thought that you knew me, that you trusted me and you…."
Robin stared at her. He realised how wrong he had been with his assumptions. This was not woman who had lived a luxurious life. She had not gone with Gisborne on her own free will; he had kidnapped her and somehow she had managed to escape. "Marian, I thought….that you and Gisborne….I know I was wrong….Do you know where he is?"
"Is this everything you are interested in?" Marian asked in a flat voice. "Guy of Gisborne?" You don't ask what has happened, how I am, you…." Hastily she wiped her tears away from her dirty face.
"No, that's not it, Marian." Robin stepped near and took her in his arms. Without resistance, she let herself being pressed to his chest. Her knees began to buckle, exhaustion overwhelming her. "Come on, Marian, I'm taking care of you. You'll take a bath and I'll get you something to eat. And when you've rested, you can tell us what happened.
He opened a door and steered Marian out. A maiden led her to a comfortable chamber and a servant proceeded to light a fire. Weary, Marian collapsed on the bed. She didn't care how dirty she was and how she smelt. I'll close my eyes just a few seconds, just a few seconds….
The door opened and a bathtub was carried in. A maid in a plain brown garment and a crisp white apron put steaming porridge, bread, bacon, cheese, apples, strawberries, grapes and eggs on the table, along with a far of fresh juice. She curtsied. "My lady, I'm Jane and I've brought some new garments for you. They won't fit, but I've been given orders to have new dresses made for you. …The water will be warm soon." She curtsied again and left the room. On a chest she had laid a woollen towel, a marvellous blue dress and a linen nightgown. Marian's fingers stroked the fabric. It had been an eternity since she had worn something like this, since she had even ate her fill. She looked at her hands, the cracks and the bruises, her dirty fingernails. She looked at the delicious food and grabbed a few pieces of cheese, mhmhm…she was hungry, but she would wait until she had taken a bath.
Some time later two women carried buckets with hot water into the room and Marian stretched out in the warm tub. The water scented of roses and she inhaled the delicate odour and then closed her eyes, weighed down with weariness. Jane washed her hair with soap and rinsed it several times until it shone. When she stepped out of the tub, Jane wrapped her in the large towel and towelled her down. Marian was just standing there, lifting her arms mechanically when Jane slipped the nightgown over her head.
"I only want to rest for a few minutes," Marian murmured, uncovering the coverlet. She cuddled in the soft cushions and a smile spread on her face.
"My lady, don't you want to eat anything?" Jane asked. "And you should dry your hair in front of the fire."
"I will eat….later; I only want to rest for a few minutes….later…." She closed her eyes and was fast asleep moments later.
She didn't wake when Robin entered her chambers much later, looking down on the sleeping woman. She still had dark circles under her eyes and he saw that her hands were raw from hard work, but now she reminded him of the woman he had seen months ago in Nottingham.
Then he left the room silently. Things would be have to talked over with the King and perhaps Marian would be able to give them hints about Gisborne's whereabouts.
Sunbeams tickled her nose. She had overslept….she had to….Marian started and blinked. This was not….she was in London…with Robin….he was alive. Slowly, she sank back into the pillows and closed her eyes. Yesterday's pictures came back. Robin, how coldly he had looked at her, Robin, how she had hit him and how he had taken her into his arms….Do you know where he is? Why didn't she remember anything but this one sentence? Robin hadn't even told her that he loved her. Don't be unjust, Marian, he is jealous; that means he loves you.
How long had she slept? It had been afternoon when she had entered the Tower and now it was early in the morning. Marian opened her eyes again and looked around. On the table she saw yesterday's food and realised how hungry she was. Her stomach growled and she grinned. She stretched, pushed the blanket aside and got up.
Never in her life food had looked so good and tasted so wonderful. Although it had been on the table overnight, Marian didn't remember anything that food. The porridge was cold and stale, but it tasted delicious and she savoured every morsel of the grapes. Marian didn't even notice how the door opened and someone entered until she heard a slight cough and a female voice. "My lady?" It was Jane, the maid, who had served her the day before. "My lady, I'll gladly fetch you fresh food. And you will want to refresh yourself. The Earl of Huntington is with his Majesty and has ordered me to take you there once you are ready. – Wait a moment, my lady, I'll fetch warm water and porridge."
Of course, Jane had been curious why a lady had come here, clad like a beggar boy. Marian doubted that Robin had given any explanations to the servants, but she could already hear the gossip in her mind.
A shadow had fallen on her face and on her mind. The sky seemed to be less blue and the berries didn't smell any more. He didn't even bother to come himself. Doesn't he trust me or am I so unimportant for him now?
Years ago, when Robin had gone to the Holy Land with the King, he had broken off their engagement. She had accused him of only seeing her as an accessory and he had glanced at her without understanding. Of course he loved her, had he told her, but she had to comprehend that he had to follow King Richard. Eventually, she had given up explaining; he had not understood what she had meant.
After his return, he had assured her everything would be different and she had believed him. When Guy had hurt her with the poisoned dagger and she had nearly died….He had had tears in his eyes and had shown her so often afterwards that he loved her. And now? What was she to him now?
A knock on the door and Jane and another maid came back, bringing warm water and fresh food. The soap was wonderful and reminded her of happier times and it was as if Marian had not only donned a new gown but also her old identity. The dress was a little loose, but this problem could be solved easily.
When Jane came to fetch her, she smiled, surprised and nearly embarrassed. She hadn't expected the young lady to change that much.
"Bring a sash for me and do my hair," Marian said friendly, but her voice showed that she was used to giving orders.
Jane hastened to obey and brought a several combs, hairpins and a knit sash. "You are looking beautiful, my lady," she said when she had pinned Marian's hair up. Marian knew that she was not beautiful after these months, but the compliment did her good. "Thank you, Jane," she said and smiled.
"Please follow me, my lady," Jane said. Marian had never been in the palace before and yesterday she had been too excited to look around. She knew that her chambers were in an annex of the main building, but when she stepped out, the beauty of the White Tower took her breath away. She had heard that the stones had been brought from France. Marian didn't have much time to enjoy the view; Jane was walking ahead at a brisk pace. The entrance to the White Tower was guarded by two soldiers. Obviously they knew that the King was expecting her, opening the door at once. Surreptitiously, Marian glanced around; royal palaces not only fulfilled the purpose of providing the King and his household with every comfort, but they were also build to impress and to intimidate….and she felt intimidated, a young woman from the country, who had never been in a big city like London, least a palace like this. They walked on through endless corridors, until Jane stopped at a heavy ornamented door, another soldier guarding it. She curtsied… "My lady…" ….and left, while the guard opened the door and Marian entered.
Her steps reverberated on the tile floor and she approached the two men, who were sitting at the other side of the room. Robin got to his feet and met her halfway, whereas the King remained in this chair. Robin smiled at her encouragingly and Marian took his arm, stepping forward and bowing to the King,
"So this is your little girl-friend?" she heard the King's baritone voice. Little girl-friend? What had Robin told the King?
„Come near, my lady," King Richard added and Marian straightened. The King was sitting in a carved chair, his legs stretched before him languidly. Even sitting, he was an imposing figure. He had to be even bigger than Guy, Marian thought. Guy? Where had this thought come from? Richard had auburn hair, green sparkling eyes, a straight nose and a wide mouth with full lips; he was a good looking man, although he began getting fat at his waist. He was wearing an azure garment with gold work. One arm was stretched out on the arm rest and four golden rings glittered on his fingers. He has chubby fingers…, she thought,….little chubby fingers.
"My fiancée, Lady Marian, your Majesty," Robin said and was still smiling, while Marian hid her tetchiness only barely. Little girlfriend! He had not looked his best yesterday, lying on the floor, grunting, struck down by his little girlfriend!
"Sit down, Lady Marian," the King said and pointed at a chair. Marian sat down, grateful; she was dizzy, as if the last months' exertions were. "I am delighted to get to know you, Lady Marian. Robin has told me much about you, about the circumstances of your disappearance and the risks you took to serve England. I am satisfied to have faithful subjects like you and you may choose a worthy reward. But we'll talk about this later on." The King smiled at her and then looked at Robin, indicating that he should continue, but Marian didn't like the smile. It seemed somehow….false. She couldn't put her finger on it, but….
"Marian," Robin interrupted her thoughts. "I wished we had more time, but it's crucial for England's future that his Majesty's enemies are captured as quickly as possible. Gisborne kidnapped you, didn't he? How did you escape and do you know where he might be now?
Has he always spoken so pompously? He sounds like a flunkey. Marian shook her head. "I'm sorry, your Majesty, that I'm not able to help. It's true that Gisborne took me from the stables and I was sure that he would kill me. We rode on for hours and the stopped at a dilapidated hut. In the morning he opened my chains and left me there. He must have known that I would only hinder his escape. I thought Robin was dead. Vaysey had told me that he had trapped him in a barn, this time with no possibility to get away. I didn't know where to go and hid as a servant at a farm….as you can see." With these words she showed her hands to the King, the raw flesh and the bruises still visible.
The King tapped his lips with a finger. One would imagine that Gisborne had other means to ….bet rid of his burden, if he knew that you spied on him," King Richard said musingly.
Robin grinned. "Your majesty, Gisborne has always had a soft spot for Marian…."
A soft spot? Marian tried to bite on the bit – and she didn't like the way the King was look at her now.
"Robin, we have to be grateful for this….soft spot. Otherwise your fiancée wouldn't be alive any longer – although you are quite adept at defending yourself as I am told. You were this…Night watchman. How will you like to take your place among the ladies of my court now?
His tone was condescending and Marian understood. In the King's eyes women had their place and obviously he didn't like confident women. Then she looked at Robin, suddenly confused. Why should she stay at the court? Wouldn't Robin return to Nottingham with her?
Robin harrumphed. "Marian, I…you'll certainly understand…We can postpone the wedding. It's too important to keep track of Vaysey and the Black Knights….You will like it at the court and afterwards…"
Again he is putting me off and again he is positive that his smile and his charm are enough to placate me. "I understand, Robin….your Majesty….Am I allowed to withdraw. I'm still exhausted. She managed a radiant smile towards the King.
„Of course, my dear and I will send Robin to you later on," Richard replied and Marian bowed and left. Closing the door, the heard the King laugh. "Maybe you've found your match, Robin. Robin. This kitten will not easily be tamed."
Slowly Marian went back to her chambers, not noticing the beauty of the White Tower this time. What had happened? Despite the friendly welcome she had felt like being questioned. The King's mistrust and disapproval had been palpable and Robin hadn't lifted a finger to stand by her. His eyes had glittered when she had entered the room in the precious dress and the artfully pinned up hair, but she had not seen any sign of love in his face.
Should she feel guilty that Guy had not killed her but had released her? Her confusion gave way to anger, anger at the King and anger at Robin.
.