Chapter 6

Locksley village

It had been a week since the new sheriff arrived and Marian could already see a difference in the people of Nottingham, she rode toward the manor house to see John stood outside whilst a cart was being unloaded. Marian kicked her horse into a canter. She pushed herself from the saddle and landed with two feet on the floor and took off towards the manor. "John what is going on?" She asked standing in front of him.

"It is Gisborne he is taking the house and the village."

"But how?"

"It is not mine to occupy, since Locksley is in Robin's name, only he can stop it." John said with tears in his eyes.

"And since Locksley isn't here. This house and surrounding estate is in my power." Gisborne sneered as he stood behind Marian. She shuddered as she felt his presence behind her. She quickly moved to John's side.

"But John is Robin's father surely that counts for something." Marian pleaded.
"It is orders from the sheriff." Gisborne smirked. He turned to toward the house and walked away his spurs clunking.

"Come on John you can come and stay with me. Get on my horse and head to Knighton." I said quietly. "I am going to go and get Robin's dog and also your horse."

"Marian no, leave them, you cannot anger this man after only a week."

"Don't worry John I will be fine. Please just go." Marian smiled, John reluctantly nodded and mounted Marian's horse. She watched him leave before she ran off around the back of Locksley manor. She found Brandy locked in her run, she quietly ran to her and lifted her out over the wood. Marian then ran into the stables. She wanted to take both John's horse and Robin's hunter but she knew that she couldn't, if she took both she was sure there would be trouble. She crept silently in through the back door of the stables, who knew that all those years of hunting with Robin would actually help her. She noiselessly saddled the horse and climbed onto his back, she raised the hood so no one would see and she whistled to Brandy, the year old pup pricked her ears and ran after the horse, Marian had already began cantering towards Knighton.

Knighton

Marian rode into the stables followed by the dog, she opened the door connecting it to the house to allow Brandy to run inside to find John, she unsaddled John's horse and placed him in the empty box she had. She ran her hand through her chestnut coloured, curled hair, which was hanging loose. She let out a deep sigh knowing that her father would have a lot to say about this. She took a deep breath and walked into the manor. To her surprise John and her father were sat at the table talking, not yelling or scowling or arguing. She smiled and after saying hello to the two men, she went to go and find her 'son'. It still felt strange to her, having a son and not being married. But nothing could change how she felt about that boy, she loved him like her own and to her he always would be.

Marian found Dan playing with Melissa downstairs, she smiled and knocked on the door. "Sorry to interrupt." Marian smiled.

"It's ok milady." Mel said.
"How has he been?"

"Pure gold." Mel smiled.
"Mama." Dan cooed as he turned to see his mother and toddled across the room. She scooped him up into her arms.

"Thanks Mel." Marian smiled before exiting the room.

She walked into the main room where John and her father were sat. "Father I hope it is ok that John stays. But he has nowhere else to go as Gisborne took Locksley." Marian said almost bowing at her father.

"It is quite alright Marian, it appears I and John have a common desire, we both want you and the little lad to be happy and safe." Edward smiled stretching out his arms. Marian handed Dan to Edward and walked out into the stables to sort out the horses. Brandy followed her out.

Marian was grooming her horses and gived them fresh bedding. She brushed the final horses mane then put it in a box. She grabbed the broom and began to sweep the floor. "So how did you learn to de so silent and sneaky?" John asked leaning against the stable doors.

"I will give you one guess." Marian said still brushing the floor.

"My son." John smiled.

"Exactly." Marian smiled at the memory of creeping through the forest by Robin's side.

"You miss him don't you?" John prodded carefully at the subject, he knew Marian was sore and he knew she was still hurting. She stiffened and then stopped sweeping.

"There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about him and then I think about how he left. And I wish he would come home safe. But not for me, for you and for his people." She said coldly and she propped the broom against the wall and headed out towards Knighton with Brandy following afoot.

Holy land

The sun was rising Robin was already awake and pacing his tent which he shore with Much. Much put his foot into one of his boots and quickly pulled it out when he felt something unnatural touch his foot. He grabbed the boot and flipped it over and scorpion fell to the floor, "Uggh that is revolting! I could have died." Much complained, attentively checking his other boot. "Master have you checked your boots?" Much asked rising from his bunk. "Master?"

"Sorry Much did you say something?" Robin said his mind had been completely lost in thought; he couldn't stop thinking of Marian. The only time he did not think of her was when he had to fight.

"What is wrong with you master? You are so distant." Much asked.

"Nothing Much I am fine, I swear."

"It's Marian isn't it?" Much said. Robin bit his lip and nodded. "Then send her a message."

"I doubt she'd even read it." Robin sighed. "Come on, we need to go and find the king."

"Yes master." Much sighed. He hated seeing Robin like this but Robin was stubborn and would not listen to anything. There was little he could do.