HELLO! I am such a bad person I haven't updated on this story for way too long - sorrysorrysorry. And this is a short chapter but it is the pre-cursor to an action-packed chapter 30 which I am in the process of writing. So bear with me pleeaassseee and thanks for your support and kindness thus far :)

Happy Reading!

Chapter 29

Lizzie

Just as the he readied himself to plunge the dagger into my chest the door burst open and he spun round, snarling, to see Alan and Gisborne.

"You can't kill her." Gisborne said, obviously struggling with his deeply buried emotions. The Sheriff rolled his eyes and pressed the dagger to my throat once again, grinning savagely.

"And why ever not, hmm?" He asked, pushing me back against the wall when I tried to run.

My head resumed its sickening spinning and I heard myself groan as if underwater. Guy's eyes locked with mine for a second and he swallowed hard, his jaw taut.

Memories flashed through my mind; Guy taking my hand to lead me through the crowded marketplace, Guy bringing me a ribbon home as a surprise – smiling as my face lit up, Guy helping Mother make the dinner when she was not feeling well and I was too young. My eyelids fluttered and I smiled at him.

"Don't feel guilty anymore." I said dreamily, my voice felt disconnected from my body. The Sheriff laughed mockingly but I was past caring.

A trickle of blood slipped down my chest and Guy put his fist to his mouth. His hand was shaking.

"No! She is more use to us alive!" He shouted frantically and the Sheriff grinned, true, twisted delight gleaming in his wicked eyes as he looked from him to me.

"It's a little late for this 'responsible big brother' act now Gisborne." He said and Guy stepped forward furiously only to be detained by Alan.

I felt my strength leave me bit by bit. My ordeal earlier with the fire had weakened me and now this...this pain and fear. He was going to kill Robin. He was going to kill me. But that didn't matter.

Robin.

In an effort to stay upright without leaning on the knife I put my hand palm down on the wall and pressed as hard as I could and the Sheriff noted my feeble attempt with a scornful laugh.

He was about to speak but voices from outside the door distracted him and he turned just as a flushed looking messenger ran into the room. He stopped when he saw the disturbing scene in front of him but visibly forced himself to speak.

"Hood's here, my lord." He said urgently and my heart sank, "Sally Barker just told us."

"Ah. Thank you William." The Sheriff said, finally taking the knife away but still holding me against the wall.

"Gisborne, ready our guest." He ordered and Guy' eyes widened.

"My – my lord..." He faltered and the Sheriff drew in a sharp breath.

"DON'T ARGUE JUST DO IT." He screamed and Guy straightened, looking from him to me and obviously figuring out the best course of action. I sighed,

"Guy, go." I told him and he moved his head slightly, his dark hair falling in his eyes. Then he turned on the heel and stormed out of the room, Alan close behind him.

Then it was just me, the Sheriff and a random messenger who was apparently called William.

The latter person looked more than a little uncomfortable and was looking hopefully towards the door, but his hopes were dashed when the Sheriff turned sharply to him.

"You stay with her. DON'T let her out. She's slippery so be careful." He snapped, almost running from the room and slamming the door behind him.

Left alone with William there was nothing left to do but glare.

Which I did.

To great effect.

Poor guy.