Deception

Chapter 61

- Chapter 61 -

"Gisborne! If I die, Esme dies!" Robin shouted out from the top as I could see Guy panicking but trying to remain in control.

"No! ESME!" He shouted as he hands the arrow to a man behind him, then turns to the shield wall. I watched as he tries running forward with his bow. Only to have Robin shoot and the arrow lands directly in front of Gisborne making me cry out only to have it come out as a strained grumble making Guy gulp and look up at me unsure.

"So it’s true. You still love her. I've found your weakness, Gisborne." Robin teased out once more as I could Guy growl and growing protective as I chuckled slightly.

"If you harm a single hair on her head, I swear I will kill you. You will die more slowly and more painfully than any man has ever died before." Guy threatened.

"You let me go, I'll leave her behind, untouched." Robin compromised as I saw Guy ready to take the deal. We both made eye contact as I could see his fear and love for me as I closed my eyes wincing at the strain as a stray tear fell down my cheeks.

"I'll think about it." He stated as he unhappily moved back as I felt Robin pull me back up the tree. Once I disappeared behind the branches I got myself untied as I winced and rubbed my wrists. I spat out the gag and grumbled under my breath as I almost lost my balance but thanks to Robin I was okay as he frowned at me slightly.

"Careful. You all right?" He asked protectively as I nodded.

"So now we can all see the famous Robin Hood for who he really is, a common coward using an innocent woman as a hostage!" Guy shouted out.

"She’s not an innocent! She’s one of you lot! A pampered parasite living off the backs of the poor!" Robin snapped back making me raise my eyebrows at another one of Robin’s “little speeches.”

"It’s nothing personal." He chuckled as I rolled my eyes.

"You can’t hide behind her skirts forever! Come down and fight like a man!" Guy snapped up as I could tell he wanted me safe as his words grew more protective and fierce.

"Remove your soldiers, Gisborne, or she dies at sundown!" Robin shouted back sternly as slowly we noticed smoke rising around the tree as we coughed slightly. The forest was on fire. I smiled knowing it was a smoke screen and that the gang was near. I gasped slightly when suddenly an arrow hit the tree trunk right between Robin and I, with a little note as Robin grabbed it and read it quickly.

"It’s from Will. He’s got a plan." He told us breathing out a breath of relief as he crumpled up the note. I glanced down at the length of the rope as Robin quickly tied the rope to a thick branch. We heard Little John whistle his signal to tell us that he was ready as I began coughing from the smoke slightly too much as Robin looped the cord of Lardner’s cage over his head and shoulder and is making a last check on his end of the rope.

"Esme, you'll have to put your arms around me." He instructed as I coughed once more and refused to look at him.

"I’m not coming." I informed as I noticed he paused and was watching me as I could feel his gaze on me.

"This is about Gisborne, isn't it?" Robin whispered hurt as I nodded feeling myself ready to cry. I couldn't lose Robin he was my only family I had now along with the gang.

"I'm sorry Robin" I croaked as Robin surprised me by pulling me into a hug and kissing my hair in a loving supportive gesture before taking a deep breath and putting his bow over the rope and slides down to the ground under the cover of the smoke. I waited a few minutes before I quickly tied up my hands to the top of the branch.

"Help! Somebody please help me! Robin’s gone!" I cried out feigning my distress and helplessness as I knew this would draw Guy's attention away from Robin escaping and towards me. I couldn't hear what guy shouted so I cried once more to ensure he took the full bait.

"He’s left me up here to die! Help me!" I cried out as I made myself bring tears to my eyes.

"Esme, I’m coming!" I heard Guy shout out comfortingly as he threw the rope up into the tree. I took a deep breath making sure my hands were secure before I gently slipped of the branch to hang myself by my hands as I let out a scream of pain at the ropes burning into my skin as I sniffed and coughed through the smoke.

"I’m coming, Esme. I'll soon be there! Esme, hold on!" Guy shouted out once more as I could hear him strain slightly at the effort of hoisting himself up the entire tree as I drew deep breaths between my sobs.

"Hurry up! Please hurry!" I cried out as I soon felt a warm strong arm reach around my waist and pull me back onto the branch as I felt my stomach erupt with butterflies.

"It’s all right. I've got you. I've got you." He whispered in my ear sending shivers down my spine as he helped me pull my wrists from the rope as I braced myself between the branches sobbing with relief. I let Guy hold me for a few moments as I relaxed and downplayed my distress.

"You’re coming with me. You’re safe now." He whispered as I nodded and looked up at him resting my head on his shoulder as I heard him breath deeper slightly as I let my eyes close.

"Happy Birthday Guy" I whispered with a small laugh as he chuckled making me feel his chest vibrate as he placed a soft kiss on my forehead as I drank in the smell of leather.

Guy helped me down the tree and sat behind me on his horse as we rode back to Nottingham. I found it amusing when I saw the look on the Sheriff's face when he saw Guy place his hands on my hips to help me down from the horse. I smiled brightly as he slowly lowered me down, my hands remaining on his shoulders as he gave me a small smirk.

"Lady Esme?" He called out coming towards us as we broke apart.

"My Lord Sheriff" I bowed in respect as he raised an eyebrow towards us both.

"I was making my way back to the castle when Hood ambushed me…" I began to explain as I felt Guy's hand brush my hand slightly in comfort.

"Ah well Hood is a criminal as it is shown today. Never the less, we succeed, he failed, I feel like a feast" He grinned darkly before disappearing once more as I let out a held breath. Guy held out his arm for me as I smiled and took it leading us both into the castle.