Marian was furious. She knew she had no choice but to stay with Robin's gang, until he thought it "safe" to return her to the castle, or to Knighton Hall, for she had no idea what corner of the vast forest they were currently hiding themselves, so she couldn't find her way out by herself. She had been unaware of Robin even bringing her to the forest, until they were well within its depths.
It would be senseless to even try to convince Robin to change his mind and release her. She knew, more than anyone, just how stubborn he could be when he set his mind to something. Well, almost more than anyone. There was perhaps one other person who knew Robin's determination even better than she did, and that person might just be her way home tonight.
Marian stepped away from Djaq, brushed past Robin, purposely bumping his shoulder for good measure, and approached Much, who was on his knees, spreading animal hides on the ground.
Those must be their "beds," Marian realized. She remembered Martin of Aylesbury telling her Robin slept like an animal on the ground. She dropped to her knees beside Much, and began helping him smooth out the furs.
"Why, thank you, Marian," Much replied cheerily. "It's late, and we all need to sleep tonight. I think I'll put you in Robin's bed."
Marian opened her eyes wide in alarm, and Much grew frantic with embarrassment. "No! I didn't mean that the way it sounded! I mean, you may sleep in Robin's bed, and the rest of us will rotate beds, taking turns keeping watch! I wasn't suggesting anything improper! Certainly not! Just because we live an outlaw existence, Marian, doesn't mean we've lost our sense of... our sense of...of proprieties!"
"I am glad to hear it," she told him. "I knew you hadn't, anyway. I do wonder about your master, now and again. What is he thinking, kidnapping me and holding me here against my will?"
Her anger was helping quite a lot to clear her head, for it set her heart beating harder, sending her blood coursing through her. It made her feel a bit dizzy, but otherwise, much better.
"I don't know! I don't know!" Much answered her question helplessly. "But it can't be good, bringing you here. Gisbourne might set his dogs on us again!"
Robin swaggered toward them. "I'd like to see him try it," he boasted. "I can't answer for what will happen to any beast stupid enough to get within shooting distance of us tonight."
"Is that supposed to impress me?" Marian asked coldly.
"What?"
"Your threat of murder and annihilation."
"It isnt murder," Robin scoffed, wearing an unpleasant smile. "It's self defense. And protection for you! I would think you would be grateful, Marian."
How typical of him! It was really too much! "Grateful?" she cried, in disbelief. "Grateful that you somehow brought me here against my will, and now, refuse to let me go? You have some nerve, Robin of Locksley!"
Much crept away, nervously. Allan stepped closer, amused.
Robin called Much back. He ran to his master, wringing his hands.
"Much," Robin told him, smiling arrogantly at Marian, "don't let the lady's smooth lies convince you to lead her home when it's your turn to keep watch, and I'm asleep. Swear to me you won't let her sway you, for she can be most persuasive when she wants to be. And I'd hate to have to tie her up, just to keep her safe."
Much opened his eyes even wider than usual. They darted nervously back and forth between Robin's and Marian's angry faces. He gulped and nodded his head, speechless, for once.
"That'll be all, Much," Robin said jauntily, dismissing him.
Robin turned his cocky grin on Marian. She was so angry, she wanted to slap him across his smug, grinning face.
"How dare you?" was all she was able to spit out. "I was not created for your amusement, Robin! This is not some ridiculous game, to entertain you! When are you ever going to grow up?"
"I suggest you close your tempting lips, before I decide to gag you, Marian. Will is sleepy, and none of us have the luxury tonight of getting our full eight hours, as you will have. Unless, of course, you would care to take a turn and help us keep watch?"
"I-I-" She was so angry she could barely speak. After a few more gulps of air, she managed to tell him, "The only thing I'd like to watch is you falling from the topmost tower of the castle, you snide, arrogant, stuck up-"
"Funny you should mention that," Robin interrupted thoughtfully. "Soon as you finish insulting me, I'd like to tell you exactly why I brought you here, just so you can be careful when I let you return. After all, I hardly think I brought you here for your sparkling conversation tonight, Marian. If I wanted to listen to insults, I'd pay Vaisey a little visit. His word choice is a bit more colorful than yours."
Marian glared at him. At last, she managed to say with a huff, "Well, go on then. Tell me."