Deception

Chapter 63

- Chapter 63 -

Guy enters through the lower doors where I was patiently waiting for him.

"Jasper will not be swayed."

"There's still time." I hoped as he glances back at the door.

"No. There's still time for you to get away." He informs me as he extends his arm to me.

"No. You did not run when I was being held hostage. I'm not leaving you in trouble." I promised him as I placed my hands on his chest as he stares down at me for a moment with his mouth twitching into his dashing smile as he places an arm around my waist holding me tightly against him.

"Well, then... we must prepare to defend ourselves." He whispers as I smile and nod. We both we our separate ways. I was trying to gather the women and children together whilst Guy was trying to solve military tactics. I could see that outside Nottingham the army circling in front of the town on their horses, flattening the grass all around. I saw Jasper walking briskly towards the gate of the town as I quickly pick up the edge of my dress and race to catch him up.

"Sir Jasper! Sir Jasper!" I shout out toward shim as he raises his hand without turning around.

"The time for talking is over. I have to brief my troops." He spoke matter of factly.

"Well, at least let us evacuate the town." I suggested.

"No."

"The women and children. Spare them, please." I begged hoping he wouldn't be so heartless, but I guess I was wrong as he stops in the middle of the bridge watching the troops.

"An example has to be set. As Prince John always says, the best examples are written in blood." He sternly spoke staring into my eyes as I felt a shiver roll down my spine. As Jasper walks away Gisborne and Allan run to the gate as I take in the surroundings of the army with fear. With slight panic I ran back to where Guy and Allan were standing by the city gates and clutch to Guy's side as he holds me protectively to him.

"Get all of our guards into siege positions." Guy informs Allan.

"What guards? They're all out looking for the Sheriff." He responded nervous.

"Well then get every able-bodied man into the armoury." Guy spat back.

"You're going to trust these lot with weapons?" Allan questioned as though it was a joke.

"We're fighting for our lives now, all of us." Guy defended as we stare at the soldiers and watch as the sergeant barks orders in the distance. Allan dashes off to do what Guy instructs as I help him to close the gate and seal it shut. He holds his hand out for mine as I grasp it tightly before we run back to the castle.

All the people are assembling in the courtyard. The men line up to get weapons. A man at a grindstone is sharpening swords. Near the stable entrance, I am handing out food to the women passing under the archway. Allan hands a sword to a boy no older than sixteen. The boy pulls the sword out a bit, looking at it. Allan nods and pats him on the back as he passes. Will enters through the gate and sees Allan, I noticed them chat before Allan points him in my direction as he makes his way over towards me.

"Will. Any word from Robin?" I question as I continue on with my duties as we talk.

"But I know he will die before he stops looking." He whispered as I shook my head.

"Today, that's not good enough, Will."

"Esme, the one person who can't die is you." He whispered to me as my head shot up as I looked at him sadly.