Chapter 17 – 2 months later, May 1191

Knighton

Marian had never been one to sleep in, at 21 years old she had rarely missed a morning to get up, but last night had been to close for comfort. She narrowly missed a run in with Gisborne at Locksley and then had to flee from Nettlestone chased by 4 armed guards. It had been close but exhilarating, whilst Marian was still breathing she would always be The Night Watchman. It was mid-morning when she rose. She had just dressed herself when there was a knock at the door. "Come in." She said warmly.

"Lady Marian, there is a messenger downstairs, he has come from the holy land." Sophia said. Marian's breath caught in her throat, she swallowed and nodded.

"Ok, I am on my way down." Marian finally spoke. This time Sophia nodded and walked down the stairs. Marian followed a few seconds behind.

Marian jumped the last step as she always did. She crossed the room to stand next to her father who was sat in a chair. "Marian, this is Roger of Stoke, he served in the King's Private Guard and he has bought a message for you." Her father rose from the chair and walked out of the room.

"Here, mi'lday. This is for you, it is from Sir Robin of Locksley." Roger said, bowing slightly before handing Marian the letter.

"Thank I will read it later. You must be hungry, wait here whilst I go and get some food." She said indicating for him to sit.

"No my lady I couldn't possibly impose."

"Please I insist, it is a long way back to Stoke." She smiled. Roger felt warmed just by her presence. And her smile it radiated beams of light, he thought only the sun could produce. Never had he seen such a beautiful woman. But he knew nothing would ever come of it. Even at the slightest mention of Robin's names and there was something in her eyes. Whether it was sorrow or happiness Roger did not know, but he knew her heart only belonged to Robin.

"Thank you my lady." Roger smiled and sat in the chair whilst Marian left to get some food. She came back moments later with a plate full of food and a pitcher of ale.

"Here, help yourself." She smiled. Marian gently placed the food on the table in front of him and sat down opposite, she had so many questions but she wasn't sure where to start.

"So how was your journey home?" She asked after he had started his food. He swallowed his mouthful of food.

"It was well thank you. Some dangerous seas but nothing compared to fighting in the war." He said honestly. Marian didn't flinch she knew the war would not be good. Was there a war that was?

"What is the holy land like?" Marian was blunt and straight forward. Roger swallowed deeply, his eyes met the young ladies. He put down his knife and looked back to the table. Marian realised she had spoken out of turn. "I am terribly sorry for being bold." Marian said.

"No it's fine, Sir Robin was right. You are very bold." Roger smiled. Marian winced, is that the only thing Robin had said about her. "You really want to know?" He asked. Marian nodded slightly.

"Very well then." Roger said and he began relaying the stories of attacks from the Saracens, large boulders or poisonous snakes being hurled from trebuchets. Marian had remained silent listening intently to every word Roger said. Her heart skipped a beat when he mentioned Robin. "He is a fearless Captain, but he always weighs up the danger, he doesn't want the blood of his men on his hands." Marian visible grimaced. Roger saw and stopped. "Sorry if I have offended you Lady Marian."

"No, I was just not aware of everything you have had to face." And at that moment Marian was no longer talking to Roger, but Robin, the man she loved and wanted home so desperately. No matter how angry she had been, she would never have wished that upon him. Roger touched her shoulder and once again Marian felt Robin, she gave a weak smile and Roger stepped closer to her, so close their faces were almost touching. Roger cupped her cheek, so similar to how Robin used to and kissed her gently on the mouth. He quickly pulled away and stepped back. "Im terribly sorry Lady Marian, it was wrong of me to take advantage."

"Don't apologise." Marian said.

"I think I should go."

"It was nice to meet you Sir Roger of Stoke. Have a safe journey." Marian said, feeling at little uneasy. Roger nodded and walked towards the door. Then he was gone.

Marian took the letter from the table and sat in the chair in front of the fire. She unwrapped the ribbon and pulled of the seal. She braced herself for what was to come, she hoped he would write everything he had never said. She hoped he would tell her he was coming home, she took a breath and began to read,

Marian,

I hope you are well. I hope my father is well and yours for that matter. I like to think that you will be looking out for the people of Locksley as well as your own. I and Much are coping well here in the holy land, we are unscathed so far, the war is slow and people die on both sides. There is soon to be a cease fire, King Richard wants peace. I thought you should know.

I congratulate you on your engagement and if you are already married, I wish you good luck. I hope he is worthy of you.

Robin

Marian had tears welling in her eyes, it was nothing like she though it would be, it sounded cold not the like the Robin she knew and loved.

Locksley orphanage

Marian had felt terrible, she hadn't been to see Dan for a while so after reading the letter she went to the orphanage. Dan was growing up so fast he was already 4 years old. The nun's had been teaching him his letters and Marian was so pleased that he still remembered who she was and that he called her his mother. She felt proud when she saw him working so hard with everything he did, he put in 100% all the time. "So he is doing well?" Marian asked as she readied herself to leave.

"He is outstanding." Sister Mary smiled.

"Then I leave him in your very capable hands." Marian smiled. She pulled a bag of coins from her belt. "This is for you! As a why of saying thank you."

"Thank you lady marian."

Knighton

Marian returned home and went to the barns to find Adam; he was loading a wagon with bedding for the cattle. Marian climbed onto the front of the wagon. She sat talking with Adam for a while about everything that had happened that day. "So what did the message say?" Adam asked.

"Nothing really that is the thing. I was expecting something different, it was like it wasn't him writing. And I realise now that he doesn't know about his father or his lands." Marian sighed, "I guess I was right when he left. He really doesn't love me." she turned and sat on the bench. Adam shook his head and said under his breath.

"No he does love you, it's just easier for him not to admit it."

"Did you say something?" Marian asked turning her head.

"I said let's get going, we have work to." Adam covered. Marian nodded and clicked the horses on. The wagon creaked as it moved and Adam continued to shake his head, this girl was so stubborn. If Robin came home, may the lord help him!