Tell me, he demanded.

She recounted the way Blackstock had torn her bodice in his study, and how Gisborne had inadvertently rescued her. Then she mentioned that Gisborne has insisted on giving her his cloak, and the following morning she was called into Blackstocks study to be betrothed to none other than Gisborne himself.

You cant be serious, Robin said.

Im afraid I am, she said. And I dont think I can get out of this.

Why does he want you? Robin asked.

How should I know? He had his pick of all these n.o.ble-born ladies. He said he cant stand to be in the room with any of them for five minutes.

And he can stand to be around you?

Thats what I said! Apparently he can... but only just as he put it.

Doesnt sound like much of a marriage, Robin commented.

Marian rolled her eyes and said, I dont know how to turn him down. It doesnt seem like a request. Its more of an order from Blackstock himself.

Well, youre in luck, because I know how to kill them, Robin said slyly.

No! Really? she gasped, her face suddenly aglow.

Indeed. Father Clark was most helpful.

Do tell.

Lets get to the camp and Ill tell you all about it.

Robin broke into a run, and Marian jogged after him. Robins feet scarcely made a sound on the leaves, while Marians crunched loudly.

So are you going to tell me about that outfit? Robin called back to her, referring to the clothing Will had given her.

Nope!

Fine, then youre not getting your gift!

Gift? What gift? she asked, suddenly smiling.

Guess youll never know, now, Robin teased as he jumped nimbly over a fallen tree and landed deftly on cat-like feet.

Marian jumped over the tree and landed with a loud crunch.

Robin! she called, and he stopped and turned around to face her.

Alright, here, he said, pulling a package wrapped in parchment from underneath his cloak.

She sat down on the trunk of the fallen tree and eagerly tore away the paper. Inside was a thick cloak made of soft gray-blue fabric. A silver clasp in the shape of a leaf gleamed merrily at the throat, glittering in the moonlight that filtered through the tree canopy.

Robin... she breathed. Its beautiful.

She ran her hand across the cloth, relishing the supple smoothness.

So you like it? he asked.

I love it, Robin.

Good, then you can give me back my cloak, he joked.

She shot him an angry look, and then broke into a grin. She eagerly removed his cloak and tossed it to him and replaced it with her own.

Its absolutely beautiful, she declared. The prettiest cloak Ive ever seen. But I cant help but think Ive seen this exact color somewhere.

The sky on a hazy day, Robin said. Thats what I thought of when I saw it. And I know you used to love hazy days when we were kids.

Oh, yeah, Marian recalled. Those moments before the rain clouds roll in. I cant believe you remembered that.

I remember everything about you, Marian, he said, and she felt her cheeks grow warm. Alright, lets get to camp!

Robin broke into a jog and Marian jumped to her feet and followed him, taking great care not to snag her beautiful cloak on anything. Still, she couldnt help thinking there was something else the color of her cloak reminded her of.

Robin gathered everyone once they arrived at the camp. He sat down, his eyes gleaming mischievously, his mouth curled into a grin. He pulled his ankle up to his knee and leaned his elbow on it, propping his chin in his hand.

So I know how to kill the vampires, Robin said, and a murmur arose.

How? Will asked.

Father Clark said their only vulnerable spot is their heart, Robin answered.

They have hearts? Will joked.

These dont, John commented.

Too right, said Friar Tuck, normally a quiet fellow who blended seamlessly, unnoticeably, into the background, he now scowled at the mere thought of them.

There are actually two ways to kill a vampire according to Father Clark, Robin continued. You can destroy their heart, or you can cut off their head. The tricky thing is that theyre fast"blazing fast. Cutting off their heads would be difficult. The safest thing would be to send an arrow straight through their hearts from a safe distance.

A mere arrow can down one of those things? Will asked.

So Father Clark says, Robin confirmed. He says the traditional weapon of choice against a vampire is wooden stake. Apparently wood is the only thing he knows of that is sure to destroy a vampires heart. But a wooden arrow should suffice.

Are you certain it will work? Marian asked. Because you may not get a second chance if it doesnt.

Well, he also told me that draining them of enough blood will slow them down, and if their heart is damaged, it may also kill them, but thats based on very old tales. He hasnt heard of anything like that happening in centuries, Robin said. Perhaps the arrow would at least slow one down if it doesnt kill it immediately.

Perhaps, Marian commented.

Marian, do you think you could lure Gisborne away from the castle? Robin asked. If we kill him first, it will be easier to get to Blackstock, since he wont have his bodyguard with him anymore.

I suppose so, Marian agreed. But well have to figure out a way to ensure no one knows hes gone with me. If he goes missing...

Well make sure no blame can lie with you, Robin interrupted her. We can do it in a public place where witness will say you were beside him when it happened.

How about the festival next week? Will suggested.

Maybe, but Father Clark says they cant go out in the sunlight, Robin said. It burns their skin badly. It would have to be after dusk.

How about the dance? Will asked. That doesnt start until sunset.

Oh, that could work, Robin mused.

Just tell me what to do, Marian said quickly.

Look, youve been betrothed to him, correct? Robin asked.

Please, dont remind me, Marian said, her stomach churning.

Tell him youd like to talk to him about it, Robin suggested. Tell him the castle makes you uncomfortable and youd rather discuss it elsewhere, then invite him to the dance.

I dont know, Robin, this feels so...

Dishonest? Robin finished her sentence. Just remember, it is he who is dishonest.

And cruel, added Will.

Bloodthirsty, John said.

Pure evil, said Friar Tuck.

I know, but... Marians voice trailed off.

Then its settled, Robin said. Get him to that dance. Well do the rest.

Marian said nothing as the others chattered excitedly about their plans. She stared into the distance as the trees fell in and out of focus.

Id better get home, she muttered.

Alright, lets go, Robin said, grinning ear to ear.

CHAPTER TWELVE.

Marians pulse rose as she watched him from across the courtyard. Gisborne stood near the guard tower talking with two of the guards, most likely giving them instructions. His eyes shifted in her direction and froze there. He stopped speaking. He quickly said something to the guards without averting his eyes from her, and then he strode toward her.

As he approached, she nearly gasped aloud. Those eyes. Thats where shed seen that color. His eyes, as they pierced into her soul, were the same gray-blue as her cloak... the same gray-blue as the hazy skies shed fancied so as a child.

Lantern light illuminated the courtyard, flickering cheerfully as she readied herself for the ultimate treason.

Marian, he commented. I see youve a new cloak.

I... oh, yes... it was a gift, my Lord, she said.

From whom, might I ask?

F-from a friend... a dear friend from childhood, she said quickly.

I see. Well, it suits you, he said.

Thank you, my Lord, she bowed politely. Lord Gisborne, might I be so bold as to ask something of you?

Of course.

This... betrothal...

Yes?

Might we discuss it... somewhere away from this castle? she whispered. This place makes me rather... uncomfortable... as of late.

I understand completely, he said. Did you have somewhere in mind?

Thump-thump, thump-thump... her heart pounded angrily in her chest.

I... she gulped. I... was wondering if you would escort me to the dance on the night of the festival in the village.

Me?

Yes, my Lord, she said, her eyes studying the ground intently. Would you be so kind as to escort me? We can discuss the betrothal while we are there.

He paused for a moment, silent and unmoving. For a moment, she wanted to take back the invitation. Then she saw the corner of his eye twitch.

It would be my honor, Gisborne said smoothly, bowing deeply and peering up into her eyes.

She quickly averted gaze from his.

I will be at the festival all day on Sat.u.r.day, Marian said curtly. The dance begins at dusk in the town square.

I will be there, he promised.

Thank you, my Lord, Marian said. I look forward to it.

Marian noticed the skys shifting color as the sun began to rise closer to the horizon. Gisbornes eyes followed hers.