Do you want this prisoner to die before Lord Blackstock can make a public example of him? Marian asked angrily.

N-no, but...

Then go! she shouted.

I cant! the guard insisted. My orders...

Marian shook her head sadly.

Well, this is unfortunate, then, she muttered, sticking her hand inside her basket.

She withdrew a heavy iron pan and smashed it across the guards head. She heard a sickening crack, and the guard slumped onto the floor, his head tilted at a grotesque angle.

Oh, no, she whispered as she noted the state of him.

Blood dripped from his nose and dribbled onto the floor. She gulped heavily and stashed the pan back inside the basket. She dropped the basket beside the guard and snagged his keys, unlocking Robins cell. Quickly, they unlocked the other cells, releasing the entire group.

Follow me, Marian said, grabbing her basket.

They followed her up the stairs and down a long corridor. She stopped outside a door and said, Wait here, and when the guard comes, grab my basket and hit him with the pan.

Robin nodded in acknowledgement, and then she disappeared behind the door. She crossed through the room and exited through a door on the other side. She made her way down the hallway, nodding comfortably to the guard standing at the corner. He nodded back politely.

She rounded the corner and spotted Robin and the others. She winked at them, and then she shouted, Guard! The prisoners escaped!

Robin grabbed Marian, holding her in a threatening manner. Her eyes were wide and fearful as the guard rushed down the hallway toward Robin, his sword drawn. Robin s.n.a.t.c.hed the basket away from Marian and pushed her out of harms way.

She flattened herself against the wall. The guard slashed at Robin, and he withdrew the pan from the basket. He deflected the swords blow with the pan and deftly stepped behind the guard, bashing him in the head with it. He slumped to the ground. Robin grabbed his sword.

Lets go! she whispered. In case we meet anyone else, act like Im your hostage.

Robin wrapped his arms around Marian, holding the sword to her throat. They crept quietly along the hallway, Marian guiding them, until they neared the rear exit. She heard footsteps behind them.

Its just out through there, she whispered. Hit me.

What? Robin asked, confused.

Hit me! she repeated. Its the only way theyll believe you escaped without my help, and you owe me one!

He hesitated, but as the footsteps grew louder, he clenched his jaw and struck her sharply across the face. She slammed into the wall and slouched to the floor. His face was drawn with remorse, but the group burst out the door. Two guards rushed them, but Robin easily deflected their attacks with the guards sword, and they fled toward Lake Heron, disappearing below the surface.

Marian! she heard faintly, something tapping against her cheek. Marian!

She gasped, her eyes wide as she looked straight into the face of Gisborne.

Marian, are you hurt? he asked.

I... what happened, my Lord? she asked, shaking her head to clear it.

You dont remember? he asked.

I... she gasped. The prisoners! Theyve escaped!

She tried to struggle to her feet, but Gisborne held her down.

Theyve already gone, he said.

No! she moaned. I tried to stop them, but they overpowered me when I took them their breakfast.

You took them breakfast? On whose orders? Gisborne snarled.

I dont know, my Lord, she said. I was stopped by a guard. He said I was to take the prisoners their breakfast, and he handed me a basket.

One of his men, no doubt, Gisborne muttered. We must take you to the physician at once.

Im fine, really, she said, trying to stand, but slumping back to the floor as her head began to spin. I have to get to work, my Lord.

You are in no condition to work today, Gisborne said.

Ill get her to the physician, my Lord, said one of the guards.

No, Ill take her there myself, Gisborne snapped.

Yes, my Lord, the guard deferred.

Im fine, my Lord, please, she argued weakly, the room spinning.

Gisborne lifted her arm and wrapped it around his shoulder, attempting to pull her to her feet. Her knees wobbled, bucking and sending her nearly tumbling to the floor. Gisborne caught her, sweeping her into his arms. She tried to protest, but blackness crept in from the outer edges of her vision, and soon it enveloped her entirely.

I must ask you to leave the room.

Marians hearing was m.u.f.fled and throbbing. Where was she? She blinked, but she saw nothing but blurred haze.

How is she?

Sh.e.l.l be fine. Please, she needs rest!

Marian tilted her head toward the doorway. She could see the blurry outline of someone trying to push past someone else, but the guardian stood firm.

Dont make me call the guards.

The dark figure growled with exasperation, and then faded away. The lighter figure turned toward her.

Ah, youre awake, the female voice said. Are you hungry?

I... I cant see, Marian said hoa.r.s.ely.

Dont worry, the physician says youll be back to normal before you know it, the woman said comfortingly. You just need some rest. Here, take this.

The woman grasped Marians hands and pressed a warm cup between them. Then she lifted Marians hands to her lips. Marians lips parted and a rich, flavorful broth flowed over her tongue. She gulped greedily, having not tasted anything so delicious in many months. When the cup was drained, the woman took it from her and set it aside.

Rest now, he said, tucking the blankets in around her.

Marian could feel the downy softness of the bed underneath her, so unlike the rough, straw-filled mattress on her bed at home. A fire crackled nearby, the musky scent of smoke and burning wood wafting through the room. Soon, the gentle crackle of the fire lulled her to sleep.

CHAPTER FOUR.

The conversation outside the door was taking placed in hushed tones, but she could hear it plainly. Their voices were quiet, but strained.

You cannot be serious!

My Lord, need I remind you this woman prevented the loss of an enormous amount of your gold. At the very least, you owe her this.

Why do I owe her anything? Its my gold! She only stopped the theft of what was mine!

And she was gravely injured in the process of attempting to stop the escape of those very same criminals.

I fail to see your point.

My Lord, if we fail to take action in this case, the other Lords may not want to side with you. Remember, it was you who said their support was imperative. This is a woman who risked her own safety to protect your a.s.sets, and with an ailing father to boot. The other Lords would not look kindly on you if you ignore your obligations.

Hmm. Alright, Im listening.

If you care for this woman, show her every courtesy, the other Lords will see you as a benevolent leader. Youll be almost guaranteed to win their support!

I see. Yes. Yes, maybe youre right.

Shall I see to it, my Lord?

Yes, yes, see to it. The voice was reluctant and annoyed.

You should inform the girl yourself, my Lord. She should believe this order came from you.

Ah-ha! Yes, youre quite right. Quite right, indeed.

Marian closed her eyes quickly as the shadowy figure of Lord Blackstock crept close to the bed. He leaned over her and cleared his throat. She jerked her body as if surprised by his presence.

Young lady?

She blinked at him, barely able to see his face in the dark room.

My Lord?

You have done me a great service, young lady, he said as kindly as he could manage. Thus I have decided to bring your father to the castle for the duration of your stay here. You will both be well looked after until you are well enough to go home.

Thank you, my Lord, she gushed with all the false appreciation she could manage. You are too kind.

Its no trouble at all, my dear, he said. It is the least I can do for someone who has done such a great service to me. You must rest, now.

He patted her gently through the blanket and then stood, wiping his hand on his robes as though it had been soiled by touching her, and trying in vain to suppress a grimace of disgust. He closed the door behind him.

As her eyes adjusted to the darkness, she could have sworn she recognized the room she was in. She strained to see her surroundings, and they slowly became clearer and clearer. She finally realized where she was with a gasp.

The spa.r.s.e furnishings, the ma.s.sive bed so neatly made save the spot where she laid... it could only be Gisbornes own chamber.

What am I doing in here? she whispered aloud, pulling the covers up to her chin.

The door opened, and a plump woman dressed in ivory strolled in carrying a tray. She placed the tray on the bedside table.

How are you feeling today? she asked, and Marian recognized her voice from the previous day.

I can see better, but my head still hurts, Marian replied.

Ah, well thats something. I brought you something to eat.

This is Lord Gisbornes chamber, isnt it? Marian asked.

It is, yes.

Why am I in here?

Guest quarters are all full with the visitors. Lord Gisborne graciously offered the use of his chamber, as he rarely uses it anyway.

Oh. I see.

Here, take this, the woman said, handing a wooden bowl to Marian.

Marian held the bowl to her nose and breathed deeply. It smelled delicious. She lifted the spoon to her mouth and sipped the thick, hearty broth. The flavor flowed over her tongue, and she felt b.u.mps erupting on her skin as she shivered with delight.

What is this? she asked.

Lamb stew, I believe, the woman replied. Or maybe it was venison. I cant remember.

It had been so long since Marian had tasted meat. She dipped another spoonful and a chunk of meat dropped onto her tongue. She rolled it around in her mouth, savoring the rich flavor, feeling the meaty texture. It was heavenly.

Here, you might want this for the gravy, the woman said, handing her a b.u.t.tery white roll.

Marians fingers clasped around it. It had been months since shed even touched white bread, and that had been destined for Lord Blackstocks private meal. She breathed in the sweet, yeasty smell before dipping it into the stew. Her teeth sank into the pillowy softness, and the earthy flavor of the gravy melded with the b.u.t.tery bread making her shiver with delight once more.

For a moment, her heart was heavy with guilt. She knew so many of her countrymen had little or nothing to eat, and to taste such luxury was a burden she could ill accept. But she was so weak and so hungry that she gulped the rest down quickly, refusing to allow herself to enjoy it.