Robin... what if Lord Blackstock finds out?

How would he find out? No one knows were out here! He cant possibly count every last deer in the forest! Robin chuckled.

The others laughed, but Marian was concerned.

Robin, this isnt funny. If youre caught... it means death.

After what weve done, I dont think the death of a few woodland creatures will make much of a difference, wouldnt you say?

He had a fair point. If Lord Blackstock or Gisborne ever caught him, hed almost certainly be executed very swiftly.

Just be careful, Marian sighed. Id better get back to Father. Its almost time to give him dinner.

Take some venison with you, Robin offered.

As much as Father would like that, I must decline. I cant risk being caught with it.

I understand, said Robin. Let me walk you to the edge of the forest, anyway.

They walked in silence though the forest. Marian dared not speak again of her training, lest Robin change his mind, and Robin clearly had more on his mind than simply seeing her home safely.

Once they reached the perimeter of the forest, Robin froze. This is as far as I go, he said.

Marian looked forward, realizing the forest would soon open up into the field above Lake Heron. She nodded.

Ill see you tomorrow night? Marian asked.

Ill meet you here at dusk, Robin agreed.

What if I dont make here in time? Sometimes I must work late.

Have you been walking home by yourself after dusk? Robin admonished her.

Well, yes... I have no choice, Robin.

Its not safe out there after dark, Robin pointed out.

So Ive heard. But there is little I can do about it. Mirabelle sends me home when Im finished with my work, and not a moment sooner.

Then get your work done earlier, Robin said.

Marian glared at him through narrowed eyes. Well, I do try, Robin. Sometimes there is more work to do than other days.

I hate this, Robin grumbled. I should be able to come and escort you home safely, but instead I have to hide in this forest like an animal!

Ill be fine. Lord Gisborne actually took me home one evening.

He did what? Robin nearly shouted.

He met me on the road from the castle and offered me a ride home.

And you accepted? Robin demanded.

What would you have me do, Robin? Do you think that it would be prudent of me to deny the kindness of Lord Blackstocks own bodyguard? The only reason Im not in prison myself is because Gisborne trusts what I say! Do you think hed be so eager to do that if I refused a simple ride home from him?

I... but... Robin couldnt think of an argument solid enough to hold water, so he threw up his hands and growled with frustration.

He was horrible to me, Robin. He insulted our home. He looked absolutely disgusted when he saw it. Like he was better than me because I lived in a tiny hovel. I was so angry!

Sounds like Gisborne, Robin spat. Like I said, hes a pig.

Marian noticed the white-hot orb of the sun settling further down in the sky, sinking toward the horizon.

I have to go. Ill see you tomorrow.

Be safe, Robin said.

Marian turned and began to jog across the field, never turning back to notice Robin watching her until she disappeared in the distance.

CHAPTER SIX.

The next day, Marian was delighted to hear that Mirabelle needed her services during the banquet. Lord Gisborne had told Mirabelle to choose three of her most trusted girls for service, and he had specifically requested that Marian be one of them.

After what you did for Lord Blackstock, they trust you, Mirabelle said. So youll not be scrubbing floors today. Youre gonna help serve the Lords in the Banquet Hall!

Marian tried to hide the smile that threatened to burst forth. She couldnt have hoped for a better chance to hear what was going on than to be invited to serve during the banquet.

They set about preparing the Banquet Hall at once. Candles were lit, a fire was roaring in the hearth, flowers in beautiful vases lined the table, and Lord Blackstocks banner was hung across the back wall. The room looked stunning.

At nearly noon, the hall began to fill. The Lords took their places along the long sides of the table, and their chatter filled the hall as they waited for the appearance of their host. At precisely noon, Lord Blackstock entered the hall followed closely by Gisborne.

Blackstocks cheeks were sunken, and his face whiter than normal. He cast a furtive glance at Mirabelle, whos panic-stricken face turned behind her, and she quickly pulled the curtains more tightly together. The tiny shaft of light that had been falling across the floor disappeared.

Blackstock took his seat at the head of the table, and Gisborne slid into the seat beside him, nodding politely to the other guests. His eyes briefly glanced in Marians direction, and she bowed her head and stared at the floor.

My dear fellow Lords, Blackstock began. I am so delighted you could come, and I do hope youll enjoy the bountiful feast Ive had prepared for you. Without further ado, let us eat, drink, and be merry!

The guests nodded their approval at the Biblical reference, and Mirabelle, Marian, and the other two maids began service. The table was piled high with mountains of food"racks and loin of venison, two large suckling pigs spit roasted with the crispiest of crackling, b.u.t.tery white bread rolls, meat pies, pillowy mashed root vegetables and heaping bowls of every imaginable garnish. Golden goblets were filled with wine and cider, and tankards of ale were pa.s.sed around. The room was cheerful and buzzing with excitement.

The great wooden doors opened, and a troupe of musicians, featuring a minstrel and a troubadour along with several dancing maidens clad in colorful silks. The ladies danced their way about the room as the musicians played and sang. They wound their colorful scarves around the necks of the guests, their cherry red lips pouting subtly as they leaned forward and smiled at the Lords.

As the Lords ate, Marian stood against the wall near the curtained window with Mirabelle and the other maids. Once more she noticed Gisbornes eyes turned in her direction, and once more she dropped her head and pretended to be thoroughly entranced by the floor.

The celebration was a raucous event. The bards were loud, their songs obnoxious. The ladies laughter filled the air as the Lords pinched and teased them while they danced. The cacophony was merry, but Marians mood was anything but.

This feast sickened her. The audacious gluttony of it all in the face of near famine amongst her countrymen made her furious. These Lords were responsible for the welfare of their people, yet they sat here stuffing their ample bellies with enough food to feed the entire village while the people fought to sc.r.a.pe together sc.r.a.ps for their trenchers.

The feast went on for hours. Once the table had been picked clean, the table was laid with a selection of sweet treats including custards, spiced pears poached in mulled wine, crisp wafers drizzled with honey, delicate pastries, and glorious cakes decorated with flowers and marzipan.

Her stomach rumbled as she stood aside, watching the men shovel the food into their pig-like faces. They belched and laughed, commenting on how delightful it was to forget their table manors, having left their wives behind. No one seemed to notice the presence of the maids, nor did they make any attempts to behave for their sake.

Marian had not eaten breakfast, and they were too busy with the banquet service to have anything at noon. As the scent of honey and pastries drifted up her nose, her head began to feel light, as though it might float away. She hiccuped and blinked several times, and the room began to spin around her. Shed been weak from hunger before, but nothing like this. As her stomach gnawed furiously, she put her hands back against the cold stone wall to steady herself. Alas, it was not enough, and her vision blurred and then faded to black.

Marian! a voice shouted, and she heard the sc.r.a.ping of a chair across the floor, and the loud crash of it being overturned as she tumbled to the floor in darkness.

Marian, the voice seemed to echo through the darkness. Marian!

She felt her body jitter as it floated somewhere above the ground. Her lashes fluttered. Through haze, she could see flashes of light rapidly pa.s.sing by as though she were flying. Shaking, shaking, her body was tossed up and down.

A crash! The sound of splintering wood -- a door, perhaps? The movement slowed, and her body slowly drifted downward onto a surface, yet still she felt as though she was somewhere above the floor.

Marian... that voice again. GET THE PHYSICIAN!

She was startled, and she gasped, trying to force her heavy eyelids open. The scuffling of boots and shoes arose nearby.

What happened? another voice asked.

I d-dont know, she-she-she fainted, the first voice stammered.

Her eyelids were forced open, and lantern light blinded her painfully. She squeezed her lids shut and turned away.

Young lady, can you hear me? the voice sounded familiar.

Marian stirred, trying to speak, but only an incoherent mutter escaped her lips.

Has she eaten anything that might have been spoiled?

How should I know?

Young lady! Can you hear me?

Marian fought her way through the haze, the blurry, swirling ma.s.s of undulating fog. Her stomach grumbled painfully, and her arms curled around her waist, clutching it tightly. She moaned.

Did you hear that? asked a womans voice.

Yes, I heard it. I think I know the problem. Bring some honeyed water at once!

Right away, answered the woman.

Whats wrong with her?

Shes fainted from hunger. Sh.e.l.l be alright.

Marian heard feet shuffling into the room, growing rapidly closer. Her head was lifted, and something cold touched her lips. Liquid poured down her throat, and as she was unprepared, it made her sputter and cough. The liquid was sweet, delightful to her empty belly. She began to gulp it vigorously. Soon, the cup was empty, and her head was slowly lowered.

Can you hear me now?

Her eyelids fluttered, and then they opened. The physician stood above her, and she blinked at him.

Wh-what happened? she asked.

You fainted, thats what happened! the physician said. Have you eaten today?

Her face flushed and her cheeks felt hot.

No, she said weakly.

Why ever not? the physician demanded.

B-because we only had enough for my ailing father, she admitted quietly. There wasnt enough for me.

The woman standing across the room clucked her tongue.

Does this happen often? the physician asked.

Not often, she told him. My garden isnt doing too well this year. The summer was dry, and this autumn chill has been harsh. And I... I gave some of our food to the villagers, who are much worse off than we.

Youre starving and you gave food away? the physician clarified.

She only nodded weakly.

We need a few more like you around these parts, he muttered. Well, you get some rest. Ill have some food brought to you from the kitchen.

The physician and the nurse backed away, and Marian noticed the grim face of Lord Gisborne glaring down at her in the doorway briefly as he backed from the room, spun round on his heel, and disappeared. She opened her mouth to shout an explanation, but her voice broke. He was gone.

Surely, he would notify Lord Blackstock that shed been distributing unrationed food, and she was certain her punishment would be swift. She groaned, and when the nurse brought her food, she could barely eat it.

You have to eat this food, girl! the nurse demanded. If you havent much at home, this is your chance!

I know. Im just not feeling well, Marian moaned.

And you wont if you dont eat, now open up! the nurse bellowed.

Marian opened her mouth and accepted a spoonful of the hearty stew. She gulped and swallowed, but it was practically flavorless. Her mind was consumed with dread, and it simply wasnt capable of processing anything else.

When the stew was gone, the nurse sent her back to work. She slipped quietly into the banquet hall and stood beside Mirabelle, whose face was stolid, but her eyes spoke volumes of concern. Marian nodded to show Mirabelle she was fine, and she received a curt nod in return.

Through a curtain of her dark locks, Marian noticed Gisborne glowering at her through narrowed eyes, and her heart thumped anxiously. He was obviously quite cross, and it would only be a matter of time before Blackstock was made aware of her transgressions.

Lord Blackstock clapped his hands harshly together twice to signify the end of the meal. Marian and the other maids hurried to clear the table, and upon their return, they were dismissed.