Chapter 18
At his appearance, the shadows of the balaclavas in the corners moved in. To Robin they were faceless and grey, but he recognised Lilith among them. Unblinking, she stared at him like a snake. Robin felt an unpleasant chill run down his spine. Beside her on the stone wall, he noticed a black curtain covering something hidden in a niche. And then his calmness and indifference instantly vanished.
A red flurry of curly hair, native features, and it was as if he had been struck by lightning! Surrounded by the baron's dark servants, Marion sat on the floor with her hands bound, her back leaning against a stone ledge. She turned her face to him and their eyes met, a scream came from her lips, she jumped to her feet and rushed towards him. Instantly he was beside her, but the guards pounced on him, clasping his hands and piling on top of him. No matter how much he resisted, they held him tight and he couldn't even lift his head. The Baron's servants grabbed Marion and tried to forcefully drag her away, clamping her mouth shut. She desperately fought back and bumped and bit and scratched the face of one of them. Even with her hands bound, she caused a lot of trouble before the Baron's aides managed to subdue her. The hurricane of feelings raging in her soul drowned out the pain, she couldn't bear to see her lover but couldn't even touch him.
There's no telling how it would have ended, but the Baron's menacing and commanding voice rang out.
-I'm ordering you to release him!
Looking round fearfully, the soldiers loosened their grip, but did not let go completely, fearing Locksley's escape.
-Cool your ardour, Loxley," De Bellem said to him, "nothing bad will happen to your sweetheart if you behave sensibly. You're gonna have to comply.
Robin realized that he could not defeat his enemies unarmed, and it was a great effort to keep his anger in check and not lash out at the Baron after the guards had released him.
-Let her go now! - Robin shouted at him.
The sorcerer stood staring at him. He clearly enjoyed the fruit of his labours. In front of him is a young, healthy, experienced warrior who is worth ten if not more soldiers of the sheriff or even the king himself. He is moderately stubborn, intelligent, proud and also very loyal if you earn his trust. More importantly, this guy is no mere mortal, he has the innate gift of clairvoyance and the power of a warlock. The Baron realised this after their first meeting, which ended sadly for the sorcerer himself. And now the dark mage really needed his power and magic abilities. After thinking this over, the sorcerer spoke.
-Greetings to you, Robin of Loxley! Your appearance is much better now than it was at our last meeting. I can see that your strength has come back to you. And it is impossible to tell that one was not alive a few days ago.
-Let Marion go, sorcerer! - Robin repeated sternly.
- All in good time, Loxley! Take your time. And where am I gonna let her go alone? Into the cold, dark woods, under the arrows of sheriff's soldiers? What did she do to deserve such a share? Believe me, I'll let you both go, you have my word, but first you and I have something to discuss," the Baron said.
Robin's eyes flashed with fury, his cheekbones sliding, a vapour rising above his upper lip.
- You lie, sorcerer. Why should I believe your words? Trust you?! Why should I?
The Baron quietly made a gesture, inviting Robin to come closer.
- Come here, son of Elric. You want answers? They're right here.
Loxley hesitated a moment, but deciding he had nothing to lose, took a few steps towards the Baron. The Baron led him to a niche in the wall, pulled aside the black curtain covering something, and Robin shuddered at what he saw there.