Deception

Chapter 65

- Chapter 65 -

I couldn't breathe as I drew closer to what I was about to do. He will never forgive me, Robin and Guy will never trust a word I say again. Gulping and wiping away a stray tear I was standing on top of the hill overlooking Locksley dressed in my Nightwatchman gear. Clothing I had hoped would remain in the past, something long forgotten.

I slipped on my scarf around my mouth and tucked my hair back slipping over my hood and finalising my mask over my eyes. Slowly and quietly I sneak into the smoky village amongst the tents set up in the middle. One young mercenary, sitting on the doorstep of the church, turns to see me just as I cartwheel beside him and knocking him out with my foot. I check over my shoulder to see I am clear before I enter the church and close the doors behind me.

Having a good look of all the food stored around me I walk in forward. I must have been completely out of it as I wasn't aware of Allan sleeping on a large chest on grain by the door. Grabbing hold of a sack of grain I grunt slightly before throwing it over my shoulder getting ready to bolt quickly with my first prize.

"Oh, great. What are you doing here?" Allan groaned in my direction as I drop the bag with a gasp and spin on my heels to see him. I didn't trust my voice, knowing I would crack giving away what was meant to happen as I say nothing, watching as he gets to his feet.

"Look, you just walk away now, all right? No-one needs to know you were ever here." He promised me just as I watch Guy walking into the room freezing once he sees me. I was ready to cry right then at the sight of him as he slams the door shut behind him.

"Guy, I've caught the Nightwatchman!" Allan quickly covers as I swing a sack at Allan knocking him off his feet. I had to at least keep up appearances.

"Into the lion's den, eh?" Guy sneered towards me as he drew his sword and swings it at me. Quickly ducking I hit Guy in the stomach with the sack of grain and bring it back smacking him in the head, sending him flying into the piles of grain behind him. I winced as he grunted in pain dazed before slowly bolting towards the door, only to feel him grip the back of my hood.

Throwing me backwards I did a quick flip to ensure I remained on my feet as he swung his sword towards me once again, leaving me the only opportunity but to catch hold of the blade in my palms. I felt the blade dig into my skin knowing I was slowly drawing blood as he kicked me in the stomach as I went flat on my back.

"Fearless? Or stupid?" He taunted at me as I made no effort to get back up as he raised his fist to send a punch causing me to flinch and look the other way.

"Leave him. He's had enough, Guy!" Allan defended coming to my rescue as I heard a slight clang to see Allan's sword had stopped Guy's dagger from piercing my stomach as the silent tears dripped down my cheeks. I could see the confusion flicker in his eyes before he hesitantly ripped the mask and scarf from me revealing who I was.

He looked beyond heartbroken and betrayed as I let out a strangled sob. I wished nothing more than to reach out and embrace him and kiss him. But I knew he would never trust or be with me now. I would surely hang if the Sheriff had his way. I guess I could only hope he would grant me mercy.

"No. Not you." He whispered broken as I saw a stray tear escape down him cheek as he stumbled to his feet running out of the room. Allan gave me a weak smile smiling with relief that I hadn't been killed again as he laid back against the sacks of grain. Throwing off my gloves to see the line of blood across my palms stung by the cuts. Ripping the fabric of my cloak I wrapped them tightly hoping to provide pressure and some comfort, though nothing could help the emptiness I felt in my heart.

"Why would you even try and do this Esme?" Allan hissed disappointed in me as I stared blankly into empty space.

"I had to" I whispered broken.