Robin Hood [Spin Off] {S2} ~ Chapter Eight - Ultimatum *Part Two*

Thayet’s door burst open once again, and she sighed thinking Gisbourne was back. She was about to give him a piece of her mind when she saw Lord Merton. She stopped before she’d even formed her first word and went to smile. But when she saw the worry lines deeper than before she went straight to his side. After shutting the door, she led the ghost-like Lord Merton to a chair.
 
“My Lord? What is it?” No answer. She had to try it from a different approach. Softening her tone, she said, “Peter?”
 
“He wants to kill one of them. In my name.” His voice was shook dangerously, but he remained still. A dead, vacant look inhabited his eyes and he was pale. Thayet brought one of her heat sources for her ‘witchy’ potions closer, in a vain attempt to warm him up and bring some colour back.
 
“Who?” It was pretty obvious who ‘he’ was. Death was involved, of course it was the Sheriff. “Who does the Sheriff want have killed in your name?”
 
Thayet’s hand on his arm did little to comfort Peter in his dire situation. “My oldest, and probably only, friend or her husband. He told me, he said I had to choose one to kill for my crimes against the crown.” The first sob came and Thayet wrapped her arms round Lord Merton. He cried into her shoulder as she did whatever she could to comfort him.
 
“Can’t you get help? From Robin? Or your sister?” Peter didn’t know how she knew that he was related to Daine, and he didn’t really care right now. She’d remembered where recognised Peter from, where she’d seen those dark eyes before. They were exactly the same as Daine’s, and when she realised that they suddenly seemed very similar. They had to be brother and sister.
 
“I can’t. The Sheriff is punishing me for outlaw collaboration. I go to Daine, and they save which ever one I sentence to death, there’s no knowing what the Sheriff would do.” He pulled himself out of Thayet’s embrace and looked straight into her eyes and took her hands. “I don’t know if there’s anything I can do to save Maggie or Brian, but I can save you. During any hanging, the Sheriff puts extra guards, usually to stop Hood. If he thinks that Hood’s going to be there today he’ll put even more guards on than normal, which will include your guards. You are to run when you hear the bells ring for the hanging. You go, run straight to the forest. I’m sure you’ll find one of Robin’s men there. They have a knack for finding people. They’ll get you away from Nottingham safely.”
 
“What about you?”
 
“I’ve got to create the distraction for your escape. If there’s a way to save the one who… who…. If I can save them I will. But this is the way I can save you. Promise me you’ll run when you hear the bells.”
 
“I promise.” Peter nodded and rose from the chair. “Peter. I’m sorry, for your friends.” A sad look filled Thayet’s eyes.
 
“I am too.” Peter said as he let go of Thayet’s hands. Just before he left, he placed a quick kiss on Thayet’s cheek then hurried out.
 
***
 
The outlaws were finally on the road to Nottingham. Somehow they’d taken a little extra time to prepare, and somehow Robin had found it to be Much’s fault. Much walked in silence as his master bombarded him with attacks on his character. In truth, they’d all delayed their leaving somehow.
 
Robin had misplaced his quiver after his hunting trip, Much had fumbled with the horses tethers to the extent they couldn’t take the horses, they’d all done something. But Robin thought that the Much’s was the worst crime.
 
“If we’d had the horses, we’d be in Nottingham right now.” Much pouted in defiance, whilst the rest of the outlaws quickened their pace. Will and Djaq cast a glance between themselves and Allan. John just rolled his eyes and walked to the front of the group. They could all still hear Robin’s accusations and Allan wondered what was up with him. Was it because he felt he should have saved Thayet before, but couldn’t because he didn’t know? If that was so, or if it was something else, he shouldn’t take it out on Much.
 
Much had had just about enough. “Master! This is not my fault!” He cried out suddenly silencing Robin and halting the line of outlaws. Robin opened his mouth to speak, but ended up looking like a goldfish. He gave up on words when the rest of the outlaws continued walking. They all silently rooted for Much, but thought it’d be better to not watch, even if they wanted to. “Stop blaming me! I am not responsible for everything that happens in the world! My duty is to be part of your gang, and cook so you horrible lot don’t starve. I put up with a lot, but this I will not tolerate! Now get out of your paddy and think clearly!”
 
Much gave a triumphant nod, for emphasis, and then walked briskly to catch up with the rest of the outlaws. Robin stood there dumbfounded for a moment before running to catch up.
 
Nottingham loomed up ahead, the castle’s spires piercing the midday sky. They split off into two groups. Robin took Will, John and Much and headed for the apothecary he and Allan had been to when they had to retrieve Maggie’s medicine. Allan and Djaq mingled into the unexpectedly large crowd so they could aid the outlaws escape when the time came. All they had to was to wait in the shadows until then.
 
***
 
Marian sat in the outlaw camp, making a blanket for her child from scraps of material Maggie supplied. They owed a lot to that woman and when Marian finally got the chance to meet her, she’d let the woman know how grateful she is for everything.
 
Humming, Marian almost didn’t hear the vegetation around her shuffle. Thinking that Adrian and Daine wouldn’t be back for a long time, she armed herself after setting down her needle work. But how had the Sheriff’s men found this place? Having said that, they’d found it before when they captured Tuck.
 
Then she thought it could possibly be that witch, coming to do the Sheriff’s bidding. Whatever it was, Marian was certain she wasn't going to like it. That was until she saw two familiar bodies standing in the camp, wearing confused looks.
 
Daine looked around as Marian lowered her weapon. Adrian helped her into her makeshift seat of rocks and blankets, being seven months pregnant she found it quite hard to manoeuvre sometimes.
 
“Where is everybody?” Daine asked.
 
Marian knew there was no point lying, so she decided to tell them. But she was also going to say that they should stay anyway. “They’ve gone to Nottingham. Sorry Daine, but saying that they needed your brother was a way of getting Adrian away from Nottingham. Let’s just say Robin thinks that it would be a bad idea for him to be part of this mission.”
 
Adrian went to argue his side, but Daine held up her hand. It would make no difference to give his argument to Marian, when it was Robin who needed to hear it. “How long have they been gone?”
 
“Not long. They took their time leaving, Robin’s being far too hasty. Daine, I don’t think you two should follow. You might spoil the plan by accident.”
 
Daine looked at Marian. “I think there’s something going on in Nottingham. Maggie wasn’t there, and she’s usually only in Nottingham until midmorning. She should have been back, but she wasn’t. We have to go. We won’t go into the castle.”
 
“Who’s in the courtyard, helping the get-away?” Adrian asked.
 
“Allan and Djaq.” Marian took a deep breath in. “I can’t stop you from going, for obvious reasons. And me telling you that you going would be a bad idea is pointless too. I know if I was in your shoes I’d go anyway. Just be careful.” Adrian nodded to Marian, and Daine gave her thanks. They grabbed two horses and rode to Nottingham.
 
***
 
Lord Merton stood beside the jailer. Maggie and Brian had been transferred into his care, though they were still in the Great Hall. Maggie hadn’t said a word since the Sheriff had announced his plan, and Brian followed suit. Peter tried to apologise through looks, but Brian wouldn’t take them.
 
“Would you please excuse me, Jailer, but I would like to talk to these two in private before I decide.” Peter said with no emotion.
 
“I don’t think I can, sir. Sheriff's orders. I have to keep an eye on these two.”
 
“Then stay out of ear shot, you foolish man.” Peter snapped with authority. The jailer slunk  back to the entrance, out of ear shot like the Lord had said. Though Peter kept his voice low just in case. “I am so sorry for getting you into this. Believe me, I would have been more careful if I’d have known I was affecting you two.” He kept his emotionless posture, but his voice was full of regret.
 
“Well, there’s nothing you can do now boy.” Brian said gruffly. His tone cut Peter to the bone.
 
“There has to be! I’ve thought and thought, but I can’t think of a way. I need your help.” Peter pleaded.
 
“There’s a way. It’s for the best. You hang me.” Brian’s voice never wavered when he spoke. Maggie started to protest, but he stopped her. “Maggie, it’s for the best. I couldn’t live without you, and there are many more lives depending on you. I’m replaceable, my apprentice will take over. But you, you have no apprentice. Peter would starve, we all know how useless he is. Daine, what would happen to her? And the Lady Marian’s child, they need you Maggie. More than you need me.”
 
Maggie broke down into tears and Brian held her close. The jailer tried to break it up, but Lord Merton stopped him. Instead, he told the man, “I’ve come to my decision. Tell the Sheriff.” And with that the jailer scuttled off. Once he was gone Peter spoke to Brian for the last time.
 
***
 
Allan and Djaq had a hard time keeping together, there were so many people about. They knew that there were only this many people when there was a hanging, and the sight of the gallows confirmed this notion. But who was being hung? And why hadn’t they heard about it?
 
They were just about to ask around when two people were paying them a little too much attention. Allan turned to the first hooded character. “I’m not being funny, but what do you want?”
 
The character pulled down their hood revealing their face, which took Allan aback. “Are you completely stupid?” Daine hissed, then donned her hood once more. They kept moving, Daine moving in beside Allan, Adrian beside Djaq.
 
“What are you two doing here? I thought you were in Merton talking to Maggie.”
 
“She wasn’t there.” Daine and Adrian chimed together. “I think something really bad is happening here in Nottingham.” Daine continued. Then she spotted the gallows and the feeling of dread worsened.
 
Then, to make things even worse, the Sheriff stepped out wearing that smile that was a little too happy for a hanging. Gisbourne and Merton followed; the jailer in tow with two hooded prisoners. Though the hoods did little to cover their identity. Allan and Djaq held Adrian and Daine back as they moved forward, dread deep set into their faces.
 
“People of Nottingham!” the Sheriff barked. “Today, our dear Lord Merton, is going to learn his lesson. The hard way. Lord Merton, if you’ll please explain what you’ve done wrong and how you are going to fix it.”
 
He stepped forward, opening a scroll which few had noticed until then. He swallowed hard before speaking in a wavering voice. “I, Lord Peter Merton, have been found guilty of crimes against the Crown. I have been caught collaborating with outlaws, better known as Robin Hood and his Merry Men. My punishment isn’t death, but I must have either Brian Taylor, carpenter of Merton, or his wife Margaret Taylor, nurse of the Merton household, hung in my name.” The hoods were pulled from their faces as their names were spoken. Gasps rippled through the crowd. Adrian and Daine struggled in their friends grips as the tears slowly dripped from the corner of their eyes.
 
“I thought you said he was on our side Daine!” Adrian hissed feeling so much hatred.
 
“He is!” She cried in return. “Can’t you see he doesn’t want to do this!” She finally gave up on struggling and buried herself in Allan’s arms, though she was unable to tear her eyes away from the scene playing out before them. Adrian had too stopped struggling, but only as he was shocked to stillness. Djaq kept hold of him, just in case.
 
“The one to be hung in my name, is…” Maggie sobbed as Peter’s voice cut out. The Sheriff watched with glee as he tried to regain his composure. “Brian Taylor.”
 
The jailer dragged the ever dignified man towards the noose and shoved the hood one once again. From under the hood, Brian’s last words were muffled but still heard.
 
“I am Brian Taylor, I believe in a better England. I just hope my wife and son live to see it.” And then the stool was kicked from beneath him.
 
***
 
Robin raced towards the apothecary as the bells rang through Nottingham Town. “Who’s being hung?” Much asked as they ran, but no one answered. They’d just arrived at the apothecary doors when they flew open and a girl hurled herself out of the doors. John caught her and she wriggled for freedom.
 
“Put me down!” She thought she’d been captured, but when she heard Robin’s voice she stopped her frantic movements. “Robin?” He nodded and suddenly Thayet felt hope, not for her but for Peter. Robin was here on his own accord, he could save Peter’s friends. “Robin! You have to save them!”
 
“Who?” Much questioned as the ecstatic girl dragged the group over to the window. Below they could see the gallows, Maggie, the Sheriff, Gisbourne, Merton and someone else swinging from the gallows.
 
“It’s too late.” Thayet gasped.
 
“What is going on?” Robin demanded. Thayet told him everything quickly, making it hard for Robin to take it all in. “Let’s just get you out of here.” He said once she’d finished. She was right, they were too late.
 
***
 
They took Brian’s body down from the gallows as the group dispersed into the crowd. Will went straight to Djaq. They needed no fancy fighting their way out, the large crowds gave them the cover they needed to escape. He was surprised to see Daine and Adrian, but said nothing about it he knew that they must be heart broken. He had just arrived when the Sheriff stood, standing next to the sad faced Lord Merton.
 
“Right, hang her now.” No one was expecting this, Peter and Maggie looked to the Sheriff in shock.
 
“You made me choose for nothing?”
 
“No, that was part of your lesson. This is to make sure you don’t do it again. Get on with it!”
 
Robin turned to John and Much as Maggie was brought to the noose. “Take Thayet, get her to the camp.”
 
“What about you Master?” Much inquired. Robin wore a stony look.
 
“I’m going to stop this in-just hanging.” He was about to walk away when Thayet grabbed his arm.
 
“Wait! Don’t make it look like you’re helping Peter. He’s already in trouble for that, and the Sheriff probably expects you to save her. Blame him or something, just make it so that you’re not helping him.”
 
Robin nodded, thanking the girl for the idea then disappeared into the crowd. Thayet cast one last glance towards Lord Merton, who stood there looking cheated. She wanted to go to him, but a tug at her arm from Much reminded her she had to leave.
 
Will was trying to get Adrian and Daine to leave with the help of Allan and Djaq, but they refused until Maggie was saved. “We have to do something!” Daine and Adrian cried. Luckily the crowd were making plenty of noise, so their voices were drowned out enough to be not heard by the Sheriff or any guards.
 
“We can’t. Now move!” Will had never been so forceful, but it had little effect. Daine cried, looking at him with sad eyes and Adrian glared at him. “I’m sorry, I really am. But what can we do?”
 
Allan wrapped his arms around Daine, as Djaq put a hand on Adrian’s arm. The pair cast one last look to the woman who raised them, who was stood on the stool hood covering her face. She had no last words, but Adrian and Daine did. They yelled her praises, catching the Sheriff’s attention. He looked suitably confused and barked orders for the outlaws to be apprehended.
 
Then there was an arrow shot, and the soft thud of Maggie falling from the noose followed. “Lord Merton,” Robin yelled. “It’s not fair to hang people for your doings. You really are turning into the Sheriff!”
 
In the confusion, the outlaws helped Maggie escape with no more lives taken. They all ran towards the forest, Daine suggested they put Maggie on a horse, but they were already gone. Much and John had taken them when they took Thayet. But, nevertheless, they made it back to the forest, all in one piece.
 
***
 
Maggie hadn’t gone to the forest, Robin had taken her straight to Merton so she could morn her husband in peace. What would become of her being rescued by outlaws, no one knew. They just hoped that Lord Merton could worm his way around having her punished.
 
Robin returned, embracing Marian, which he always did upon returning. Then he turned his attention to Thayet. She looked up from her bowl of stew Much had forced into her hands they moment it had been finished. “You’re going to take me somewhere safe, aren’t you?” She asked. Robin nodded while he thought about where he could take her. “Can I see Peter first?”
 
The question came as a surprise. “Would that be wise?” Marian asked, not to anyone in particular.
 
“Is anything we do wise?” Daine said bitterly. She felt partially at blame for Brian’s death and Maggie’s almost death. If she hadn’t have asked her brother for so much, or visited so often, then maybe, just maybe, Brian would still be here.
 
“I want to go to Merton as well.” Adrian’s voice was broken and quiet, but in the silence of the mournful camp, they could have heard a pin drop. “I need to see my mother.”
 
“Pete would be back by now. He’d have got away at the first opportunity. I’ll take Adrian and Thayet to Merton.” Daine offered. A hand on her shoulder told the girl that Allan was coming with them too. Robin nodded and the four of them set off to Merton.
 
When they arrived, night had fallen. They'd taken a slow pace, so that when they arrived Peter would be there. Guards surrounded the house, though there were none round the back of the house. They climbed up into Daine’s room and they quietly made their way to the kitchen. Maggie and Peter were in there, both deathly silent.
 
The first thing that anyone did when the outlaws arrived was Adrian going to his mother and hugging her. Allan and Daine moved out of the way as Thayet put herself in Peter’s line of vision. He took her into the corridor.
 
“Where are they taking you?” He asked.
 
“I don’t know.” She looked down, blinking back tears. She wasn’t sure why they fell. Were they for Brian, or the fact she wouldn’t see Peter. “Am I ever going to see you again?” She asked quietly. Peter slotted a hand in hers and used the other to lift her tear stained face.
 
“Of course. I promise.” A slight smile crept across both their faces and Daine watched as her brother leant in for a kiss. She sighed, turning round to bury her face in Allan’s warm chest. Whenever she was upset, his familiar musty scent always made her feel better. Even in bleak times like these.