The Treatment of the Lower Orders

The Treatment of the Lower Orders 20

Disclaimer: No one owns the legend, only the TV series.

Summary: Something Nasty this way cames...

The night air cooled, and Guy pulled a blanket from his pack to drape around them.

He spooned about her and Elias wriggled into his belly.

“Have a care, or I will needs find other means to warm us.” He chuckled low and kissed her neck. “I thought you had drained me, but mayhap not.”

“I drained-you?” She wiggled more. “You filled me; did you think to give me another babe?” She chided.

“Is it possible? I would not…”

“No, my course ceased but three days ago.” She sighed and stretched languorously against him.

“You are then...safe?” He stroked her belly softly.

“From you? Never.”

He nudged her ear with his nose and nibbled at her. His intent obvious, Elias smiled to herself, this Phillip was a softer more attentive lover than Guy. She liked him.

“Oh angel, I am the safest man in England with you.” His hand slipped downward.

“Ha, You would have struck me a few hours since, do you forget?” Elias felt his hardness against her.

He groaned.”Twas a momentary anger, nothing more. You bit me.” He said, aggrieved.

“You were forcing yourself on me.”

“You wanted me…” His voice lowered, his words slowed. “I would never have…”

He retreated into memories of their past. He had forced her. Never any other woman, only her had he violated. Why? He knew not.

Elias was no longer the compliant frightened girl, helplessly in love with a man so far above her.

“No, Guy, you would have beaten me. After all that was between us, you still need to hurt me? You doubt me even now?”

“How could I have trusted you? I left you poor, I could give you nothing. Then I return to find you wealthy, with my son and another child, what was I to believe? What woman does not lie?” Anger welled now. He stood and began to pull on his britches.

“Me, you could have believed me. I do not lie, you lie. They told me you were dead. Much, son of Locksley’s miller? He and John Little came to York with that cur Archer. They told me you died with honour, in Robin’s arms. That Robin, Vaisey and your sister had died also. Now you are here, parading as a cousin. In addition, Vaisey is no longer dead, but hunting me. Tell me is Robin Hood really dead or was that too a fiction?” Now Elias was up, pulling the blanket about her.

“Robin died by my sister’s hand, and I am a wanted man with a price on my head. I cannot ever be myself again.”

“But you can return to your old ways? Tell me, am I to await your needs the way I did? Is that your plan?”

“I could not believe you had held yourself a widow with my death. Why should you? I made you no promise, you would accept none. Damn you woman, I cannot wipe the past away. The man I was… he saw life, love, as a battle to gain back and keep what was rightfully his. I have learned, at great expense, differently.”

“You have learned seduction, tis all.” She swept away as if to walk back to the house.

“Do not walk away from me, Madame.” Guy grabbed her arm and hauled her back to him. “I have seen a great man, live a good life. Should I not aspire to that?” He hesitated, and looked about, frowning.”Hush!”

“Loose me…”

“Nay, hush, listen…” his voice a whisper, his stance, alert. “Men coming this way.” He pushed her back towards the trees, behind him. Bending, he drew his sword silently.

“What ‘ave we ‘ere then? Is this what lord Vaisey paid you for cap’ain?” Vaisey’s sergeant at arms stood arms akimbo, four heavily armed men behind him.

“What do you mean by this? Lord Vaisey charged me to…”

“Aye, to bring ‘er back, not ‘ave your way with ‘er. Good job ‘e trusts you not, I’d say.” The man turned and laughed to his comrades, “Any ways, we’re ‘er to make sure she do get to ‘im. In one piece so ta' speak.” He grinned across at Elias’s semi naked figure behind Guy.

Guy saw the hungry look and snarled,” she is my responsibility. I will discharge my obligation. The rest is none of your business.” He lifted her discarded shawl and tossed it to her and said curtly. “Cover yourself woman.”

Elias gathered herself together, reaching for her shift, the blanket slipped. The sergeant’s look grew dangerous.

“She’s not for the likes of you, and I had plans for more sport here. You spoilt that, I will not forget it, I promise.” Elias recognized the voice Guy used, it was to be feared, and the sergeant heard the threat there, he stood back, cowed, and turned to his men.

“Bind ‘er.”

“Tis unnecessary, she rides with me.” Guy was saddling his horse.

“My lord Vaisey gave instructions, she was to be bound and led as we find ‘er.”

In one move, Guy had the man by the throat and hissed, “I will take her as I see fit and as I arranged.” He let the soldier drop with a look as if he could no longer bear the smell of him. Guy turned to Elias, the look pleading.

“Ready yourself, you come with me.” Fully dressed now, he mounted and held his arm down to her.

“But, sir, I…” She tried keep her voice steady.

“Up, now.” He did not even look at her. But she obeyed. He hauled up her in front of him, and whispered to her, “This is none of my doing, but be ready and remember I am de Lacy. I seduced you, what ever Vaisey asks, be on your guard.” He snatched a kiss. “The moment I can, I will free you.”

She was terrified, but feared more for her children. “The children…will he…?”

“Tis Vaisey, he is capable of anything, but I do not believe they followed me to the house. They seem unaware of anything but you. Be outraged, be terrified, but be ready.”