Riding into Nottingham the next morning, Marian felt an unexpected stirring within her heart, and an uncomfortable fluttering of "butterflies" in her stomach. Could that mean that Robin was here, or was she only imagining he might be?

Her feelings angered her. "Forget him," she reminded herself for the hundreth time. "Remember what my father says. He's unworthy of my..."

He was here, within the city gates! Marian had not yet spied him, but his huge, bear like man, Little John, could not be missed, even if he was slumping, trying to appear smaller, as he moved throughout the crowd, distributing coins.

Rather than proceed directly to the castle, Marian slid off Vesper's back and handed the reins to a waiting groom.

"I need to speak to a woman concerning employment in my house," Marian told the groom, in case she needed an alibi later. Paying him, she sent the groom ahead with Vesper, explaining she would walk to the castle after completing her business. Once he was gone, she turned and scanned the crowd.

Robin's unmistakable catlike grace gave him away, as he wove in and out of the grateful throng of beggars. Following at his heels was a hooded man just his size, who hurried after his master with jerky movements.

Marian watched them wistfully, and then angrily. Why was he risking his neck, appearing in Nottingham in broad daylight, especially when the Council of Nobles was scheduled to meet? Everyone on the Council had known him for years, and most would not hesitate to betray him to the sheriff, as a way to curry Vaisey's favor. Even now, someone might be whispering his whereabouts into Vaisey's ear!

A cultured female voice saying her name startled her, but she was even more surprised when she turned and saw who had spoken.

"Cecily?" Marian asked. "What are you doing here?"

Marian looked hastily about, then led Cecily into a private, enclosed space.

"We're here distributing largesse to the masses," Cecily explained. "If I were wearing my jewels, I'd feel a bit like a queen."

"You mean, you're helping Robin give money to the poor?"

"I prefer 'largesse to the masses.' It makes the act seem less shoddy."

"There's nothing shoddy about it," Marian fumed. "It's brave, and noble. I can't believe you're helping."

"My, my. You don't need to be so unfriendly. I only wanted to say hello."

Will Scarlet pulled aside the cloth and gave Marian and Cecily a stoney look before disappearing.

"Robin assigned that peasant boy to look after me," Cecily explained. "He, at least, treats me with the respect I'm due. Unlike the rest of them."

"You don't like Robin's men?"

"Don't tell me you do!"

"I hardly know them, except for Much."

"Count yourself fortunate."

"I don't think Robin would approve of your attitude. He's very fond of his men."

"And that is why I have decided to become one of them. That is why I am here today."

Marian felt a cold knot form in her stomach. "You mean to tell me, you think you can be a member of his gang? You?"

"If it's the key to his heart, yes. And I do believe it is. He'll soon tire of your disdain, Marian. He has to. He's lost everything that matters to him, and it's hard. I plan to provide comfort and support. He'll succumb. I have no fear."

"He hasn't lost his Honor," Marian stated proudly.

The curtain was pulled aside again, this time revealing Robin and Much.

"Much," Robin ordered, after recovering from his surprise at seeing Marian, "kindly lead Sess to safety. I'll meet you back in the forest."

Much looked grim, worriedly knowing how Marian's presence could distract his master, but nodded obediantly.

"Couldn't you escort me back?" Cecily pleaded, gazing up at Robin with such a worshipping stare, that Marian wanted to scratch out her eyes.

"I need a moment alone with this lady," he explained. "That is, if she agrees?"

He looked questioning at Marian, who asked, "Is it to offer an apology?"

"An apology?" He scoffed. "Hardly. It's to make a request."

"Requests are more readily granted, when they're preceded by apologies."

"Apologies lightly given are worthless. You know that. Besides, I didn't do anything wrong."

Marian raised her eyebrows and looked at Robin in shocked disapproval. He grinned arrogantly back at her, a challenge in his eyes.

"Come on," Much said, pulling on Cecily's arm. "This will take awhile."

"I want to stay with you," Cecily begged Robin, shaking Much's hand from her arm and leaning heavily against Robin's chest. "I'm frightened."

Marian couldn't hold back a short laugh. "Perhaps you should escort the damsel, Robin, since she's so helpless."

"Sess," Robin said, ignoring Marian while trying to master his irritation, "I need you to be brave, and go with Much. He'll protect you. I wouldn't put in danger, I swear it. Please, just go with him."

"As you command," Cecily said in a tragic voice.

"Come on!" Much cried, pulling her by the arm again. "See you back at camp!" he told Robin, before disappearing.

Once they were gone, Robin turned and looked at Marian, uncomfortable by the amused smirk she wore on her face.

"What?" he asked.

"Oh, nothing. I was just wondering how long 'Sess' will last, the next time your gang sees any real danger. Now, what do you want from me?"