Marian resigned herself to suffering through yet another Council of Nobles, standing stoically behind her father's chair, while Sheriff Vaisey reigned vilely supreme.

Due to her public humiliation of having her hair chopped off, several nobles refused to speak to her. In fact, she almost felt like the "Lady Leper" the Sheriff claimed her to be, considering the way most of the peers avoided her. It came as no surprise that Martin of Aylesbury was too afraid to even acknowledge her presence.

Before the Sheriff made his dastardly appearance, Marian had approached Martin. She had heard the joyous news that he was made an uncle, and she wished to congratulate him.

"May I offer you my heartfelt congratulations," she began. "You must be very pleased."

Instead of being polite and continuing the conversation, Martin yelped and scurried away to stand behind his brother-in-law, the black-robed, dour-faced Lord Loughborough. They made no effort to lower their voices speaking about her public punishment and disgrace.

"Did I not warn you, Martin, that she would come to no good? Just look at her now! Shamed! Her hair cut like a boy's! Such a disgrace! Stay away from such violators of the Law, Martin! Guilt spreads by association. A man is only as good as the company he keeps."

"I don't want her to talk to me! I am not her friend! I hope the Sheriff realizes that!"

"He will, as long as you stay away."

"I will...I will. Never fear."

Marian rolled her eyes and turned away. No loss, really. Yet the insults still managed to sting just a little, even if they did come from quarters she didn't care about.

Trumpets blared, announcing the arrival of Vaisey. He strutted down the steps, proud to be in charge of this "little gathering," obviously looking forward to collecting the tax monies his nobles would provide. Of course, Gisbourne followed closely behind, his tight black leather making a creaking sound as he moved, his silver spurs jangling.

Marian noticed him look her way. His glance was so possessive, as if he thought he owned her. Gisbourne had made it very plain he wished to own her, but that was something she would never let happen. Let him go to his grave wishing! She utterly despised him.

The Sheriff stopped directly in front of her, eyeing her hair. Oh, wonderful! More taunting! More public humiliation! Well, let him give it his best shot. She wouldn't flinch.

And she didn't. Instead, she smiled a smile...a slow, dreamy smile. She hadn't meant to...it just happened, after the Sheriff remarked, "Oh! Look, Gisbourne! If it isn't our shorn sheep!"

Instantly, his words conjured up images of the little lamb Robin had brought to her. Caring for it had felt so warm...so fulfilling. The tiny creature had been so sweet, sucking milk from the cloth, then curling up in a soft little ball on her bed and falling asleep. What a special feeling!

Suddenly a thought struck her. How selfish she was, sending that Annie woman all the way to Lady Glasson's just to get her as far away from Robin as possible! No wonder he carried around baby animals! He must be missing his son!

She knew Robin had always been partial to children, and they in turn had readily worshipped him. He had such a protective, sheltering nature, and such a kind spirit. Years ago, when they had been betrothed, he had teased her that she had better watch out, for he wanted dozens of children. She had blushed at his implication, yet she also knew he was only slightly exaggerating. The more loving people surrounding him, the better. Now, she believed he actually had a son, but with no horse, he couldn't even go see him. How very sad for him!

The Sheriff's explosive screams woke her from her daydreams. "I WILL NOT TOLERATE IT, MISSY! DO I MAKE MYSELF CLEAR?"

Although Marian had no earthly idea what the Sheriff referred to, she bowed her head and answered, "Yes, My Lord."

"Good," Vaisey oozed, staring at her suspiciously. "Very good. And now, to business!"

He strutted to his chair and, with a groan, eased himself painfully onto his seat. "Now," he said, "first order of business...I have devised a plan to capture Robin Hood! What think you of that, hmm, my lords?"

His wicked eyes darted quickly back and forth, trying to discern who was pleased and who was not by his announcement.

Marian studied Gisbourne's face. The man usually wore a mask, concealing his emotions, if he had any. But the Sheriff's words had removed the mask, for Gisbourne looked eager and self satisfied.

He must know the plot! She needed to uncover it, so she could warn Robin! If that meant being nice to Gisbourne after the meeting, so be it.

...

"Sir Guy," Marian smiled, as soon as the Council was dismissed, "I just want to thank you for yesterday. I had a lovely time with you at the fair."

Gisbourne looked pleased, and surprised. She hadn't exactly been friendly towards him yesterday, even being so rude as the drop his gift to the ground rather than wear it on her head.

"Perhaps you will visit me at Locksley then," he offered.

Oh, she hoped she could avoid that! She hated seeing him installed in Robin's house...hated feeling the questioning eyes of Robin's serfs and servants upon her, as if she had turned traitor.

"We shall see. But Sir Guy, I'm intrigued. What plan has the Sheriff devised to capture Hood?"

"That I cannot tell you, milady. It is top secret."

"But surely the Sheriff knows Hood can't be lured. I mean, if yesterday's archery competition failed to bring him, what could?"

Somehow, Gisbourne took the bait, his voice sneering out the words.

"Saving the unfortunate. Little children."

"Children!" Marian's shock was genuine. Surely the Sheriff wouldn't risk small children, just to get to Robin! But, of course he would! What was she thinking?

"What children, Sir Guy?"

"Never fear. Only peasants."

"From which village? What will the Sheriff do to them?"

Gisbourne looked at her face. She seemed quite upset.

"Do not let it concern you. Their sacrifice will make it safer for the rest of us."

"Sacrifice! The Sheriff doesn't mean to kill them, does he? I mean, Robin poses no threat, other than to rich men's purses!"

Gisbourne turned on her. Her use of his enemy's Christian name bothered him. "Doesn't he?" he asked, his voice cold and threatening.

"I...I believe it is an established fact that Hood does not kill, unless he has to."

"The coward!" Gisbourne sneered."Do you find that trait recommends him?"

Marian's throat constricted. A plot to capture Robin, endangering children? Gisbourne, turning cold and dangerous towards her? She needed to get herself under control at once and learn what she had set out to know.

She smiled charmingly. "Sir Guy, a visit to Locksley sounds lovely. When would you like me to come?"

He was stunned. "Why, um, shall we say, tomorrow evening? We can celebrate Hood's capture."

"So soon? I mean, how will the Sheriff catch Robin Hood by tomorrow evening? How will Robin know to come save the children?"

Gisbourne looked superior. It was one of Vaisey's more despicable plans. But, if it helped capture Hood, it would be well worth it.