PART THREE



As soon as he and Gisburne had entered the great hall of Nottingham Castle, Robin knew that some things hadn't changed that much. The Sheriff and his brother were there as usual, discussing problems that Hugo was having with his land. The Sheriff was trying to placate his brother but not succeeding.

Guy told a servant that he and his brother wished to be announced. The Sheriff and Abbot Hugo leapt up as the names of their visitors echoed through the hall.

"My lord of Huntington," spoke the Sheriff. He and his brother bowed to Guy and then Robin, much to the latter's surprise. "Please sit down, my lords. Ralph, bring us some wine," he commanded to his steward. The alert young man nodded and hurried off to fetch some.

"We've just been attacked by Robin Hood," stated Guy. The Sheriff and his brother froze in their chairs.

"By heaven!" cried the Abbot.

"My lord, were you injured?" questioned the Sheriff, who sounded most anxious.

"No. We were fortunate enough to escape. That man is a menace, Sheriff. He should be dealt with."

"Oh, he will be, my lord. He will be. Yes. Ever since he tried to lead that rebellion, he's been too headstrong for his own good."

"He's starting to become dangerous," said Hugo. "One of my best foresters was found with an arrow in his back!"

"That could have been us couldn't it, Robert?" Robin nodded sullenly.

"Ralph, I want soldiers to be sent to Sherwood at once," spoke the Sheriff when his steward returned.

"Make it fifty," instructed Guy.

"Uh, yes...fifty," repeated the Sheriff, regretting that he had to use so many men. "And Ralph, lead them yourself, will you?"

"Yes, my lord."

"Now to other business," stated the Sheriff, trying to steer the conversation away from Robin Hood.

"Oh yes, after all that has happened I almost forgot. I need to speak to you about Owen of Clun...and this marriage," explained Guy.

"Ah, the marriage..." purred the Sheriff, thinking about how happy it would make the King, and in turn, himself.

"I want the wedding stopped," said Guy.

"What?" exclaimed both the Sheriff and his brother.

"I want you to find a way to stop it, Sheriff. My sister is unhappy and she refuses to marry the man."

"Well, can't you force her?" asked the Sheriff peevishly.

"I love my sister!"


"But, Robert, what about the King?" hissed Hugo.

"Uh, yes...the King...that does make things difficult. You see, my lord..." The Sheriff started to explain about the politics involved with such a marriage and the possibly dire consequences if such a marriage was not carried through. Robin barely heard any of it. He waited for the appropriate moment, then silently crept from the hall, intent on discovering what he could while he was still in the castle.

There might be a servant who could give him information about his friends and their whereabouts. Though if his friends weren't in Sherwood, where could they be? Would any of them be in Nottingham?

"Brother Tuck!" called a voice from another corridor. It sounded like a young girl. Robin moved closer.

"What is it, my child?" inquired Tuck, employing the gentle, learned tone of a dedicated priest.

"Oh, Brother Tuck, I sought penance for my sins and I think God has forgiven me," she spoke.

"But have you forgiven yourself and are you truly repentant for what you have done?"

"Oh yes, Brother Tuck!" cried the girl. "But...will you listen to another confession. I think I might have left something out, or...I might have sinned again." Robin heard his friend's cheerful laugh as Tuck patted her arm.

"Aye, I'll listen to another confession."

"Thank you, Brother Tuck," she responded sweetly. He smiled grimly.

"Please don't mention it, my child." She giggled and scurried off, failing to notice Robin as she passed.

"You can come out now, my friend," spoke Tuck. He had seen a flash of Robin's tunic. He had known that someone had been listening to his conversation. Robin did what was honest and stepped out into the corridor.

"Tuck," he said.

"Do I know you?" questioned the other man.

"Oh, Tuck, not you as well!" groaned Robin.

"I'm sorry, but I don't understand."

"Tuck, don't you know me at all?" implored Robin, almost desperately.

"No. I can't remember ever seeing you before. Should I know you?"

"I...I don't know anymore. I'm Robin...Robert of Huntington."

"Oh, yes..." mused Tuck. "You must be Guy of Huntington's younger brother." Robin grimaced but nodded.

"What are you doing here?" asked Robin. "Why aren't you in Sherwood?"

"Sherwood? Should I be...? I'm the Sheriff's chaplain, my lord. My place is here." The Sheriff's chaplain? Robin remembered that Tuck had once been the Sheriff's chaplain, but he had given all of that up when he had joined Loxley and the others. Hadn't he?

"My lord, are you all right? If I can help you in any way..." began Tuck.

"Yes, I think you can. Tell me what happened to the others."

"The others?"

"You know. John, Will, Nasir...Marion."

"Marion?" "Yes!" cried Robin, realizing he had gotten through to Tuck at last. "Marion. Marion of Leaford. You must know where she is, Tuck."

"Aye, but she's Marion of Leaford no longer," said Tuck sadly. "I'd stay away from her if I were you." Robin gasped.

"Why?" he demanded in alarm. "Where-where is she, Tuck?" The chaplain sighed. He seemed to find it difficult to speak about.

"She's at Belleme Castle. She's Simon de Belleme's wife."

"Wife!"

"Well, no...his widow. Belleme was killed two years ago."

"And Marion...?"

"Is the baroness."

"But that can't be!" protested Robin. "She never married him! She was rescued by Robin Hood. They were in love...He wouldn't have let Belleme marry her!"

"Lady Marion in love with Robin Hood? It's the first I've heard of it!"

"But she...She could never have married Belleme..."

"Well, she did. She was forced into it. From what I've heard, the Baron wanted a sacrifice to his devils and Lady Marion was to be that sacrifice: the virgin innocent and pure. But he changed his mind somehow. I don't know why. Maybe she was more useful to him alive. Well, whatever happened, she hasn't been the same since. From that day forward, she changed."

"Changed? What do you mean, Tuck?" The chaplain opened his mouth to answer, but he was interrupted by Guy's shouts.

"Robert! Robert, where are you?" Robin cursed silently.

"I'd better go," spoke Tuck, who started to shuffle away.

"Tuck!"

"Robert! Where have you gone?" yelled Guy.

"Tuck, come back," pleaded Robin. "We have to talk."

"There's a feast in two days," stated Tuck. "Will you be there?"

"Two days! Tuck, I can't wait that long."

"Robert!"

"I'm sorry, my son," spoke Tuck again. "I want to help you, but I must go. Come to the chapel when you can and we'll sort through this together."

"Tuck!"

"Robert, where on earth have you gone?" Robin turned in exasperation and rushed back to the great hall, meeting his brother halfway.

"Oh, there you are, Robert. I thought you had gone deaf. Where did you go anyway? Oh well, it doesn't matter. Come on. Let's go."

"Go? Now?"

"Of course. Our business here with that miserable little man is done."

"But isn't there anything else you need to discuss?" asked Robin, trying to gain some more time.

"Not a thing," answered Guy obstinately. "The sooner we leave here, the better. That imbecile has said that it's impossible for us to stop the wedding and that an agreement is an agreement. As if we had the chance to agree to anything! Margaret's going to be terribly upset...She'll go on about it for days," he grumbled.

"But why can't we just bargain with Clun ourselves. We could attack him if need be, or even hide Margaret somewhere in Sherwood," spoke Robin before thinking: something Gisburne was supposed to be an expert at. Guy laughed, thinking it was a joke.

"You are funny sometimes, Robert," he said, thumping Robin on the back. "Well, we mustn't stand about here all day, brother. We've got to get going. There's nothing to hold us in Nottingham." 


 *    *    *    *



The lady visited her husband's crypt, tracing the carvings on the stone with a finger. It seemed as if a century had passed since she had married him. He had forced her to marry him with his spells, possessing her and holding her in his power. She had tried to fight it, but the Lords of Darkness had overtaken her soul in the end. They made her their slave and victim as they had done with her husband, Simon de Belleme.

He was gone now. She was alone, alone with the Lords of Darkness. They called for her in her dreams, plagued her thoughts and made her worship them. She feared Azael and the Lords of Darkness, but found herself excited by them too.

They were crying out for chaos and destruction, to destroy the balance between good and evil in the universe. Evil was to exist everywhere and they were to reign like gods on the backs of the victims sacrificed in their honour.

They wanted power: more power than she possessed. They needed an influential lord to take Simon de Belleme's place and carry out the deeds of Azael. The Baroness was to seek out that lord and make him Azael's slave...or die trying.







"I'm sorry, Margaret, but you'll have to marry him," said Guy. She was sewing in one of the castle's antechambers and had been waiting anxiously for her brother's return. Her hands quivered a little. She dropped her needle, sitting transfixed before them.

"I must marry him?"

"Yes. The Sheriff says it would be impossible to break the agreement. The King is determined that this marriage will take place. Any action taken against his wishes would be seen as treason."

"So if I refuse the marriage, I would be accused of treason by the King?"

"No...not you."

"Father!"

"Yes."

"Then there's nothing I can do. I have to marry Owen of Clun..." Guy bent his head, unable to watch the tears that flooded down his sister's face.

"I tried Margaret...I tried." His face had turned even paler than hers. Robin suddenly realized that beneath all of his pompously brave words and actions, Guy had been upset too! Margaret seemed to notice this as well. She took his hand, forcing herself to smile as he looked back at her.

"Don't be sad, Guy. Everything will be all right. I just need time to accept this, that's all. Owen can't be as bad a man as we have made him out to be. There's a bit of good in everyone, I think. I've just got to look a little harder to find it in him, especially since he's a heathen. Oh, Guy, you once said that I could put the fear of God into anybody, even, God forgive me, Lucifer himself! By being a good and patient wife, I shall help him to see God's light and his soul will be saved. I will be a better Christian for it and, with that knowledge alone, I shall be happy," she proclaimed. Guy wrenched his hand away and headed towards the door.

"Guy!"

"I don't care about Clun's bloody soul or your piety to God!" he fumed. And he slammed the door behind him.

"Tell me what happened at Nottingham Castle this morning, John," commanded the lady to the giant, who had been known as Little John in another time. The bearded man bowed his head, then kneeled at his mistress' feet.

"My lady, two lords visited the Sheriff and the Abbot Hugo."

"Who were these lords?"

"They were brothers, sons of the Earl of Huntington."

"His sons? Yes, I remember. Guy and Robert...Go on. Do you know what they spoke of?"

"Guy of Huntington wanted to stop his sister's marriage to Owen of Clun. He argued with the Sheriff about it. The Sheriff said there was nothing he could do to stop the wedding. Guy of Huntington became angry and left the castle."

"Then it is as I have seen it...John, tell the servants to prepare my belongings and ready the horses. And fetch Nasir. Tell him we're going to Nottingham Castle to spend a few days there as the Sheriff's guests."

"Yes, my lady," replied John, his voice devoid of emotion. He left the room and Marion de Belleme smiled, clapping her hands together.

"Guy of Huntington," she murmured, and she began to laugh aloud.







"My lord, the Baroness de Belleme is coming towards the castle," reported Ralph.

"God's Teeth!" groaned de Rainault. "Not Marion again!" He bustled off to the courtyard and arrived just in time to greet her.

"Lady Marion. How good it is to see you again," lied the Sheriff. Marion was assisted from her horse and the Sheriff politely kissed her hand. "My lady, the feast isn't for another two days. I'm flattered that I should receive a visit from you so soon."

"I've come to stay, Sheriff," she announced, and she walked past him into the castle. John and Nasir were flanking her on either side. The Sheriff hurried after her. She gave orders to her two servants and looked calmly around the castle.

Marion was still quite young, but much of her girlish spirit had left her. She was the widow of a baron with important matters on her mind. She hardly seemed like the Marion of old, who had been so gentle and kind-hearted. Her years at Belleme Castle had made her harder. Much harder. She was still rather stubborn, free-willed, and clever too, but all of these assets were being used for evil purposes rather than good ones.

Her beautiful auburn hair had been restricted by a tight bun and hidden under a dark veil. Even her lively face had become more pale and hardened.

She resembled a dark statuette with her severe black gown. She seemed rather frail, but she was stronger than she looked. She had great control over herself and, for that matter, other people as well. She was a powerful woman and expected to be treated like one, as the Sheriff quickly discovered.

Marion seated herself in the great hall, watching the Sheriff expectantly, as if waiting to be served. The Sheriff poured her some wine, then sat down beside the young woman who had once been his ward. He feared her. He feared her almost as much as he had feared her husband. Sometimes he feared her more.

Marion did not like the Sheriff, but she believed he could be useful. She smiled at him sweetly and he knew that she was up to something.

"My lord," spoke Marion. "I have heard news that there is to be a marriage between Margaret of Huntington and the Marcher lord, Owen of Clun. Is this true?"

"Yes, my lady. In fact, I am representing the King himself in this matter," boasted the Sheriff.

"You are? Then you must be on good terms with the Earl of Huntington," observed Marion pleasantly.

"Well yes, I suppose so, my lady," lied the Sheriff again.

"And his sons?" asked the lady.

"His sons? Ah, well..."

"Guy of Huntington doesn't want this marriage to take place, does he?"

"How do you know that?" questioned the Sheriff in alarm.

"I have my ways," she responded softly. "Tell me, what is to be gained by this marriage?"

"Why, the King shall gain passage through Owen of Clun's lands, and Owen of Clun shall form an alliance with one of the most influential families in England."

"But surely he won't gain everything. Lady Margaret is just the daughter. The earldom won't be his..."

"The earldom will go to the oldest son."

"Guy of Huntington?"

"Yes."

"And then to his oldest son?"

"He is unmarried, my lady, but--"

"Oh, I see," commented Marion. The Sheriff eyed her warily.

"My lady, may I ask why you are taking such an interest in all of this?" he dared to question.

"No, you may not!" Marion snapped. Then she smiled, deciding to be indulgent. "Because Azael wishes it and Azael is everything," she uttered. The Sheriff crossed himself and she fingered the silver pentacle around her neck. 


 *    *    *    *



Robin gazed out of a window, eyeing some trees beyond the castle's garden. He wished he was back in Sherwood where the trees were taller, and one could look several miles before seeing any sign of a building, or castle.

Although it was good to be back at Huntington, the castle where he had been born and raised, he knew it wasn't his home now. He felt alienated by it. He was a stranger to Huntington, possessing a brother and sister he barely knew. Also, his mind kept wandering back to Herne, Marion, his friends and Sherwood.

He still wondered about the fates of Will Scarlet, Little John and Nasir. Would Will be living in Lichfield with his brother? Would John be a shepherd in Hathersage? Would Nasir even be in England now, or was he in the Holy Land? Then, there was Marion. Was Marion really the Baroness de Belleme? What was it that Tuck had tried to warn him about her? Robin couldn't understand why she would be seen as a threat.

How was it that Robin of Loxley was still alive? Why had only Much joined him? Since Loxley was still alive why wasn't Marion with him? Why hadn't he rescued her from Belleme? They should have been happily married and living in Sherwood, along with not just Much, but the others as well. Why had everything changed so completely?

He would have to find a way to see Herne. Only Herne could provide the answers he required and help him find a way to escape from all of this.

He could disappear tonight while Guy and Margaret were at the feast. They would be leaving within the hour. He could return to Sherwood soonafter. This could all be over in a matter of hours. Herne would turn the Wheel of Time again and everything would be as it was. Unfortunately, the situation was more complicated than Robin had imagined. He had family problems he hadn't even begun to think about...

"I'm going, Guy!" yelled Margaret, as she and her brother stepped into the garden. "I have every right to be at a feast that determines my future!" her voice echoed, as it travelled up the walls to Robin.

"I said I'd take care of it. You're not needed there. And besides, last night you told me that you didn't want to go!" he thundered back.

"Well, I do now and-and you promised!"

"I promised nothing!"

"I'm going!"

"Well, go then! Why should it matter to me?" Guy headed into the castle, climbed a set of stairs, and ended up in the same room as Robin. They stared at each other for a few moments and then the older brother strode past the younger one without a word.

"Guy!" Margaret was running up the stairs after him. She gasped a little in surprise when she met Robin on her way past.

"He went that way," replied Robin, pointing helpfully towards the door.

"Thank you," said Margaret. She was about to leave when she suddenly decided against it. "No, maybe I shouldn't go afterall. He doesn't want me to and I'm not really certain if I wish to go," she muttered.

"But you have to go," spoke Robin, realizing that she was changing her mind about the feast. He needed her to go or he might not be able to reach Sherwood.

"Oh, Robert, he's been angry ever since he returned from Nottingham! If it will help him keep his temper, then maybe I should stay."

"No, Margaret, you should go. Forget Guy and his temper. You deserve to go. Besides, he's not angry at you. He's angry about the marriage," explained Robin, hoping she would be convinced.

"Do you really think I should go?" she questioned.

"Yes! Go, Margaret. Go."

"Oh...I don't know..."

"You must go," stated Robin firmly. Margaret hesitated for a moment, then turned to him with eager eyes.

"Then come with me, Robert."

"What?"

"Oh, please. I couldn't possibly bear it alone."

"But-but Guy will be with you."

"Guy's barely speaking to me and-and when he does speak to me, we only quarrel. Oh, you must come, Robert," she pleaded. "Please..." Robin didn't want to go, but he found it impossible to refuse her.

She looked as if she truly needed help. Surely his visit to Sherwood could be postponed for just a little longer. If he went to the feast, he could meet with Tuck in the chapel as Tuck had suggested. The monk could provide him with more information about Marion and possibly the others. It couldn't hurt to know more about the situation he was dealing with. He decided that his visit to Sherwood could wait and soon found himself relenting.

"Oh, thank you, Robert!" she cried, kissing him on the cheek. "You had better speak to Guy and tell him you're going. I'll have a servant prepare your things." She clasped her hands together and hurried off, her pale face almost glowing now that some of her burden had been lifted. Robin felt a twinge of guilt. Margaret was his sister and he had done nothing before this to help her.

He would help her now by attending the Sheriff's feast. At least he could make that one effort for his sister: a sister he wouldn't have after the Wheel turned.

Robin headed off to find his brother. He found Guy in another chamber talking to the steward.

"I sent him a letter two days ago. Are you certain there's been no reply?" spoke Guy.

"No, my lord. The Earl has sent nothing."

"God's Blood," cursed Guy. He fell heavily into a chair. Then, as if by instinct, he lifted his eyes to Robin. "Leave us," he told the steward and, with a nod, he invited Robin in.

"You're going tonight, aren't you?" he questioned.

"Well..." began Robin.

"Good," replied Guy. "I'll need your help. It could prove to be a difficult evening."

"It could?"

"Yes. You have to promise me that you'll support any decision I might make tonight and stay on my side no matter what happens."

"Your side?" queried Robin. He didn't understand why Guy was asking him this.

"This is very important, Robert. Can you promise me that?" There was a long pause as Robin considered the matter carefully. What was Guy planning? Could he really trust him? He was his brother. He was going to have to.

"I promise," spoke Robin.

"Thank you," stated Guy and, before Robin knew it, his brother had disappeared from sight.







Chapter Three




Several hours later, Robin found himself in Nottingham Castle. He sat at the high table between Guy and the Sheriff, feeling much as he had felt the last time he had shared a meal with the two men: more than just a little disgusted. However, this time it wasn't the Sheriff or Gisburne who were causing his disgust. Owen of Clun had been placed at the far end of the table and Margaret had been made his unfortunate supper companion.

She sat stiffly, looking as if she was trying desperately not to cry. With everyone watching her, she couldn't.

Clun had been telling her stories about his blood games and the prowess of his champion, describing the horrors of Clun Castle in intimate detail.

In turn, Margaret had tried to be as polite and civil as possible, but she soon discoverd that this effort on her part was futile. He did not care about manners or decorum. He was a barbarian and such concepts eluded him.

Margaret sat mutely. She touched nothing on her plate, her hands clenched fiercely in her lap. Robin felt compelled to watch her, as painful as it was to do so. He glanced at Guy. He was watching her too or, rather, Owen of Clun.

Like Margaret, Guy had paid little attention to the food on his plate. He had only picked at it with his dagger. His eyes were ice and Robin could detect a gleam within them that was almost murderous. He would have to keep a close watch on Guy tonight in case he was as willing to act on his feelings as Gisburne usually was. Robin still couldn't be sure what characteristics kept Guy of Gisburne and Guy of Huntington apart, or what qualities they shared in common.

The tension seemed to grow with every minute that passed. It only lessened to a degree, when Guy finally tore his eyes away and the tables from supper had been cleared away for the further festivities of the night: festivities that entailed more than any of the guests had first anticipated.

As the light dimmed and the servants lit more candles, she came. She appeared from the shadows, floating gracefully into the light. She charmed all of the guests as they each in turn beheld her.

Her hair flowed loosely down her back, glowing in the torchlight. She was dressed in an impressive gown of deep purple silk that rustled softly across the floor as she walked. She moved like a dancer, her eyes sparkling with some secret enchantment. The guests cleared a path for her, moving as if controlled by magic. Everything was silent as she walked towards the center of the hall. She was beautiful, so beautiful that she was bewitching. Robin stared at her in amazement.

"Marion?" he whispered. But it was as if he did not exist. She ignored him completely, neglecting to even toss him a glance. Instead, she walked over to Guy. She curtsied, taking his hand as she did so.

"My lord of Huntington," she spoke, and he gaped at her, bewildered. 


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PART FOUR