Courting Time

Chapter 4

"Marian."

Her head turned to where the sound was coming from. Gripping onto the vine that winded up the castle wall, Robin held on. From where the room was situated it must have been a climb, but knowing Robin, he could do anything.              

"Robin!" Chloë whispered in surprise.             

"I need to speak with you."             

"You better come in before the guards spot you."

Having been invited in, Robin jumped down off the ledge and landed on the floor with his feet. Wondering why he was Chloë asked him what he needed. Robin told her that he was not pleased about Allan and Much returning to Sherwood. And when they told him what she had said he had decided to see for himself. So here he was.             

"Robin, I am not a little girl who needs protecting anymore. I am a grown woman. As I have told Allan and Much I am able to look after myself."             

"For goodness sake, Marian! I am worried about your safety. What happens if the Sheriff or Gisborne finds out that you are a double agent. You could be hanged! And that's a risk I don't want to take."             

"And you think having Alan and Much watching out for me is a better idea? What happens if the Sheriff or Guy finds out there are outlaws in the Castle? Can you risk looing them too?"             

"No, I  can't. But, please Marian do not argue with me. There are rumours that the Nightwatchman has been seen again in Nottingham."             

"Robin, you know as well as I do that I'm the Nightwatchman and I haven't been out since Guy has instructed guards to be my escort everywhere I go."            

"I know that. I think the Sheriff is using the Nightwatchman as a trap. I think he using the guise as a way to gather support against King Richard. I need you to be careful and find out what you can about the plan."             

"I will see what I can do. However, there are guards everywhere."           

"Marian...." Robin started to say.

They were soon interrupted by a knock at the door. Chloë turned around.             

"Who is it?"              

"If you please, milady it is Clara, your maid."             

"Will you please excuse me for 2 minutes?"             

"Of course, milady."

Chloë replied her thanks and returned to her conversation with Robin. Robin, however, was not there. He must have escaped through the window when he heard the knock at the door. Outside the sky was dark and there was no moon. The only light that could be seen were the candles and torches through the windows. Below her chambers, Chloë could just make out a few soldiers attending to the horses with the stable hands and along the battlements, guards were patrolling the castle walls. After watching the scene below Chloë allowed Clara, her maid to enter. In her arms, Clara had an evening dress. The navy blue shimmered in the candle light and it created a precious jewel-like material. When asked what the occasion was for, Clara replied that Sheriff requested to see her in the Great Hall. With a quick brush of the hair and a lovely neck piece to accompany the dress, Chloë was ready to go down.

Trying to walk as gracefully as she could down the steps Chloë headed down. Reaching the last flight of stairs Sir Guy stood at the bottom. He was apparently waiting for her to arrive. As Chloë descended Sir Guy offered her his arm and the two of them walked towards the Great Hall. Entering the Great Hall Chloë noticed that the Sheriff sat at the head of an oak table. He wasn't looking at her as she walked up to him. Instead, he was reading some documents. No doubt it involved more tax collecting she said to herself.             

  "Ah, Marian." The Sheriff announced slyly.

"My lord." Chloë replied as she curtsied.           

"I have requested to see you, my dear, because tomorrow morning you will be accompanying me and Gisbourne to Scarborough."             

"Excuse me?" Chloë asked.

This news was not good. She needed to tell Robin about the change of plan, but she could not reject the offer. It would be suspicious if she did not go with them. She still had to warn Robin. The Sheriff explained that tomorrow they would be on their way to Scarborough while the carriage carrying the money would follow a day later. He then continued once they reach their destination they would be negotiations. When asked what the negotiations were, the Sheriff told Chloë the matter did not concern her. Not getting any more details Chloë excused herself and return to her chambers. Sir Guy was about to escort her back when he was ordered to remain by the Sheriff. With Chloë not in their company, the Sheriff started to speak. This time it was about the negotiations.              

 "Such a pretty creature." The Sheriff told Sir Guy.                        

"What do you mean, my lord?"             

"She will be the perfect asset for our plans."             

"I beg your pardon?"            

"If we can marry her off to a wealthy lord, we can obtain more soldiers and collect the taxes. Prince John will reward us for gaining such support against his brother."

Sir Guy was shocked. The Sheriff could not use Marian for his own ambitions. He cared too much about her. He was not going to see her get hurt. Pacing up and down in her chambers, Chloë needed to find a way to tell Robin about the change in the plan. Firstly, she had to find a way to leave the Castle unnoticed. Calling for her maid, Chloë asked her if she could distract the guards for a few moments. Clara asked Chloë why she needed to distract the guards. Chloë replied that she was feeling unwell and needed some fresh air to get her breath back. Galloping as fast as she could, Chloë entered Sherwood.             

"Robin!"

Robin emerged from the trees with his men. Thinking Chloë had more information Robin walked over to help her dismount. Chloë declined his offer.             

"The Sheriff and Guy have changed the plan. Tomorrow I am to go with them to Scarborough while the carriage carrying the money will follow a day later."             

 "What is he up to?" Robin wondered.             

 "I do not know, but I must get back before I am missed."

 Watching her gallop off into the distance, Robin turned to the gang. They all wondered what on earth the Sheriff was really up to. Walking back to their camp, the gang discussed what they should do now. They all knew that the change of plan must be in order to support Prince John against King Richard. Chloë had just dismounted her horse when Clara scurried up to him. The look on her face worried Chloë. Wanting to know what happened, she beckoned Clara to calm down and catch her breath.             

"Clara, what is it?"             

"Lady Marian..."

She was, however, interrupted by the sound of guards following Sir Guy. The group of them came up to Clara and Chloë. Sir Guy directed the guards to stay by Chloë's side. Chloë was unsure what was happening and so demanded an answer.

"Guy?"

The look in her eyes told her he wanted forgiveness. Yet, he was following orders.

"I'm sorry, Marian. Arrest her."