Chapter four

Anna stared at the blank parchment and sighed. How does one begin a letter describing the acts of betrayal of one brother to another. Her guardian tried to hide his anger and pain from her. He failed. Much like his son, he wore his thoughts upon his face, in his hands… the way he walked.

For all the evil of his intent, Edgar had succeeded where she had failed. David now had a degree of respect for his son. This he did not hide from her even though he was required to hide it from the rest of the world.

Soon her thoughts were pouring forth in ink as easily as they did in speech. Perhaps more so. William had been as a father to her for most of her life. She could tell him things that she dare not tell David. Although she had begun to worry at his continued decline. His letters were becoming more and more disjointed as time passed.

She folded the parchment, then folded another protective sheet about it and sealed it with wax and reached for her ring to imprint. She smiled remembering where it now lay. Instead she chose the one David had given her with the wax and parchment. One with the huntington sigil.

She hurried down the stairs, William’s courier had waited patiently as she had composed her reply, partaking of the Earls hospitality. However she knew he must return soon. William was mistrustful of the English, with good reason given the past, but she didn’t want to exacerbate things.

The man rose as she came down the stairs and bowed in way of greeting. She smiled at him and spoke in their native language as she handed him the letter. She thanked him for his patience and the gifts she ahd received. Their conversation drifted and soon they were laughing. She bade him safe journey and reached up to kiss one heavily bearded cheek as they parted.

“It is a beautiful language, My Lady. Perhaps you would teach me.”

She gasped and whirled about to face the source of the voice. “Sir Guy” She said, almost breathlessly “you startled me.”Again. She added silently. She had begun to wonder if the the knight didn’t take some perverse pleasure in sneaking up on her. She had expected visitors passing through Huntington… she had not expected Guy of Gisburne to be among them.

“It is indeed lovely” Said the man standing in Gisburne “What was it you were saying?” He asked.

She turned her attention from Guy to the man at his side. He was lean, tall, dark of complexion… and demeanor. His clothing was elaborately done. “I am sorry my lord, I was not here to greet you with my uncle. You are…?”

He raised an eyebrow “Ahh… you doi not remember me” He said with a smile “Not surprizing really. You were just a child then. Always running here and there with some blonde haired boy child as I recall”

She simply stood silent, waiting expectantly for the frenchman to explain himself. Noting how Sir Guy stiffened in the passing moments.

“Anna of… “ He paused “Huntington” He added finally “This is Lord Edward DeFalaise” He frowned as her features darkened and her body language shifted.

“Ah. I do recall you now” She said stiffly. “Or rather that you were present in Edinburgh. I take it you were not to terribly inconvenienced with your relocation.”

“I do miss Edinburgh. It was such a … homey… place” He answered with slow smile, his eyes never leaving hers.

“hmm.” She said “II cannot say that such was ever said of Falaise” She pointed out with barely concealed venom and quickly excused herself.

Edward watched as she left the entry and went presumably in search of her guardian. He chuckled softly “Don’t look so mortified, Gisburne. If this is truly the one you wish you had best get used to such outbursts, or teach her more temperate ways. William was far to lenient in her rearing.” He smiled “Oit is interesting what a guilty conscience will lead one to do.”

Rosrosrosrosros

Robert entered the cave for the first time since they had been forced to abandon it. Fall was beginning to settle in. The villagers were beginning to harvest and before long it would be winter. If they could not remove the curse for lack of a better word, from the cave before long they have to move elsewhere for the winter.

Even though the had done what they could to remove the markings, the darkness still felt more like a presence than an absence of light. He growled in frustration. He didn’t want to relocate. They were comfortable here, they knew the sounds and signs of the forest here. If they moved they would have to relearn everything. Get to know another village, endanger another village. It just wasn’t an acceptable risk.

Neither was a winter without shelter.

He exited the cave and tossed the torch aside. “I’m going to see if Anna knows anything that can help. If she doesn’t we are going to have to find another place to wait out the winter. “

“It already shows the signs of being a bad one too” John said nodding.

“It will be a couple of days. See what you can do in the mean time. “ He sighed shaking his head. “If I’m not back in three days time go to Barnsdale” He looked to Marion, wishing he could take away the worry that lined her delicate features. “Wait for me there. I will get to you as soon as I can” he caressed her cheek lightly before going to pack for his journey.

“Are you sure this is wise?” Tuck asked him.

“I don’t know where else to go”

“and you think this slip of a girl knows something Herne doesn’t?” “Will asked incredulously.

“I am hoping she can translate Hernes riddles into something I can understand. There were caves like this back in Scotland. Maybe she has heard of something. I don’t have any other options and I know that leaving here is wrong some how.”

Will fell silent, scowling all the while, arms crossed in front of him.

“It is possible” Nasir said with a grave nod. He glanced to Marion, wondering what she was thinking. She looked uncertain. Uneasy. The saracen was not the only one wondering what went on behind the lady’s Azure eyes.

Rosrosrosrosros

“Anna, calm yourself” David sighed and set aside the accounts he was going over.

“I am perfectly calm, Uncle” She said in clipped tones.

“On the surface” He said and held up his hands “For which I am grateful” He added. “However this is not the time to let the past trouble us”

“Trouble us?” She exclaimed, then hushed her voice “It’s a bit more than troubling”

“it is ancient history” David sighed, even though he felt as strongly as she.

“Falaise is not so ancient as that” She said.

“It was before you were born. The wages of war. These things happen, Anna. William is lucky to even be alive, much less ruling Scotland at this moment. He could have lost everything to Henry. He didn’t. For that we should be thankful.”

“Thankful?” She asked sharply.

“Anna” He returned her tone. “King John in his search for petty revenge has requested that we entertain his cousin. I assure you that it was not lost on him what he asked and that he was counting on our giving him the excuse he needs to rip Huntington out of my hands and whatever else he may wish. Very likely hoping we would rid him of the lout into the bargain.” He sighed then, and went to her, cupping her face in his hands “I need you to be on your best behavior. Promise me you will do nothing to embarrass this house.”

She hated the factt hat he always knew just the right way to phriase things so that she would have to agree. She hated even more that there was no way for her to comfortably to either. She could not seek vengeance for her father. Yet she couldn’t let it pass. It went against all that she believed in. In the end she sighed and agreed. Her father was dead. He could wait a little longer for justice to be done. For now she had to concern herself with the living.

“Thank you” He said hugging her close “Do you want me to send you away for the duration of their stay? I can send you to the house in Yorkshire.”

She shook her head “no Uncle. I will stay. I will not embarrass you”

“That was not my only concern.”

“I can handle Sir Guy” she told him, with a confidence she didn’t quite believe.

Rosrosrosrosros

Robert thanked the man and got down from the back of the cart. He pulled the hood up over his head and looked down as he continued on the road. He could not afford to be recognized this close to home.

He could see the castle in the distance and wondered that it didn’t feel like home to him anymore. No longer was there the combined relief and dread at the sight of its walls. Now there was only anticipation, and that was for his visit with Anna. Although he had yet to find a satisfactory method of getting word to her without alerting his father or any of his fathers men.

He entered the village cautiously. Intending only to walk through and on into the forest. He smiled beneath his hood at the familiar sights and sounds that surrounded him. An old couple arguing, the tanner selling his hides, the sound of the blacksmiths hammer in the chill mid morning air. He hadnt realized how much of what he had taken for granted was imbedded in his memory.

He looked up hearing the sound of Kendrews voice haggling in the distance. He slipped past the farmers cart, deftly selecting and making off with an apple , then approached his fathers servant.

The older man stepped away from the vender, muttering under his breath and sounding very much like a ruffled old hen and walked into Robert. He began to protest and then fell silent as he recognized the young lord’s face. He took a step back and mimicked being offended.

Robert winked at him and held out the apple “For my lady” He said “She will understand.”

Kendrew took the apple and returned Robert’s smile. “Very well, M’lord.” He said quietly”For your lady” and he turned to walk away.

The older man was already at the other side of the road before his words sunk home. Robert shook his head and laughed silently as he continued on.

Rosrosrosrosros

Anna made her way to the gardens. She knelt beside the patch of mint and began to gayther leaves, laying them in her scarf as she went. She looked up at the sound of someone clearing his throat.

“Sir Guy” she said and rewarded him with a smile “Thank you” she siad and settled so that she could continue her task and look at him.

“For what, my Lady?” he asked taking a seat on the stone bench nearby.

“Courtesy” She said, then blushed faintly “And hopefully for forgiving my lack of it earlier. I do appologize” She tried not to think about her last night at Nottingham. The future was in flux, ever changing. The thoughts and deeds of each moment shaped eternity, not the other way around. She could only hope that the man she had gone riding with was the man that lay beneath the surface, not the man she had seen arguing with David… or in her vision.

“you are easily forgiven, My Lady” He said quietly “why did you leave Nottingham so abruptly?”

She looked back to the plants. “My uncle feared repeated attempts on my life, … so he sent me home.”

He reached out to stroke her hair “I would have protected you.”

“I know” She said, her heart pounding as she recognized the feel of his touch. She could feel the blood drain from her face. It was he who had come into her chambers that night, not David. “What is done is done” She said as she rose from the ground, with her harvest of mint leaves. The way he looked at her made her uncomfortable “… your wound has healed well?” She asked.

He smiled at her. She wondered at how so simple a thing could change a mans entire appearance. “It has, yes” He said and reached out to take her hand.

She dropped the leaves she had gathered and knelt to pick them up,. But he pilled her to her feet as he stood “Sir Guy” she began only to be interrupted by his hand on her face. He leaned in close, his intent was clear. She turned away, easing out of his grasp. “I cannot” she said firmly, and hurried back within.

She didn’t see the play of emotion on the man’s face as she departed. She missed entirely, the malignant smile that crossed his lips, and was ignorant of the frustration and determination in his eyes.

Kendrew however, missed nothing as he followed after the lady of the manor, even more determined to deliver his message. “milady” he called once they were safely within the hall.

She paused and turned to greet him, relieved to see that Gisburn had not chosen to follow after her.

Kendrew leaned in closely “your lord bade me give this to you. He said that you would know what it meant.”

She looked at him in confusion”My..?” then received the apple, and smiled “He is no longer my lord, but yes, I know what it means:

The old man raised on bushy eyebrow “He bade me give it his lady. Is there another I should seek?” He teased and laughed a little as she swatted him playfully.

“If it were only so” She said with the barest hint of sadness in her tone. “I shall take my meal in my chambers tonight. Could you see that it is … something portable. I am certain I shall be ravenous.” She smiled then turned to leave, chewing lightly on her lower lip as she looked at the apple.

It had been a very long time since he had referred to her as his lady. Longer still since they had slipped away into the Orchards. She wondered what it was that had brought him into Huntingdon. It must be urgent indeed to bring him so far. This would be no casual visit.

She glanced over her shoulder toward the door. She would have to make certain Gisburne knew nothing of her activities. She headed up the stone staircase toward her chambers, singing softly in gaelic as she polished the apple with the sleeve of her gown.

Rosrosrosrosros

Robin of loxley curled tighter about himself, gasping for breath. It took every ounce of will he had not to cry out in pain. He refused to give her the satisfaction of hearing his screams. Neither would he give her what she wished.

The avatar’s increasing rage no longer frightened him. The pain no longer reached his soul. His dreams had become more vivid. He had once more Herne’s call. Whether his destiny be death or life, it would not be eternity as this creature’s slave.

“Have you forgotten the lessons of the past so easily” she murmured, reaching through the bars of the cage to stroke his dark hair, brushing it back from his sweat and tear soaked face.

“no. I have remembered them” He said quietly. “All of them” he added with a tired smile.

“Then perhaps I should teach you another” She hissed.

Rosrosrosrosros

Slipping into the castle grounds was as simple as it ever was. He wondered that his father’s men had not discovered the weakness in their security yet. He had said nothing in years past for many reasons. Most of them foolish in hindsight.

Staying close to the outer wall of the castle grounds, he made his way to the orchard. Most of the gruit had already been harvested and the leaves were beginning to drift to the ground. He had loved this place as a child. Its long even rows of trees so perfectly placed that the lines even matched up diagonally. The natural bend of the branches reminded him of cathedral archways.

He remembered Anna’s last visit to Huntington. Late in the spring before he had heard Herne’s call. He could almost hear her laughter as they had run between the trees as if they were still children, the way she would look playfully over her shoulder at him as she ran, waiting for him to almost catch up before turning to run anew.

He remembered catching her at the massive oak that stood just outside the orchard. She had leaned back against the tree, breathless, her cheeks flushed, hair spilling out of its braid, framing her face. He had reached up to remove the apple blossoms from her hair.

“Do you love me, Robert?” She had asked, her eyes never leaving his.

“I… don’t know.” He had answered honestly “I want to”

“Do I make you happy?”

“Yes,” He had said and then he had kissed her. The sound of his father’s voice booming through the orchard had ended their embrace. They had laughed softly then climbed up within the branches of the old oak to secret themselves away.

There had been so much they had talked about. Marriage, children, growing old side by side. Whether to stay in Huntington or return to her lands in Scotland until Robert were to take his father’s place. So many plans…

Soon he stood before the oak and looked up at its branches. With practiced ease he climbed the tree and nestled within its sheltering branches to wait.

Anna waited impatiently for the day to pass. She had not told her guardian of Sir Guy’s familiarity. She some how doubted such news would aid in his goal to be cordial at all costs. Instead, she told him that she didn’t trust her temper enough to be seated with Lord Edward and the she would take her meeal in private.

She truly felt sorry for him. Huntington Castle was positioned at the half way point between London and Nottingham. All too often there would be nobles or royal visitors demanding of his hospitality. She had seen it often during her visits in the past. However she had never seen them come with such petty glee before.

She smiled happily when Kendrew knocked on the door, bringing in her dinner tray. They had prepared enough for herself and Robert, and packed it into a small bundle for her to carry. “They are just gathering for the evening meal, M’lady. Give them a few moments before you leave”

She thanked him and gathered her cloak. She waited impatiently. The seconds seemed to drag by, and the minutes were never ending. Eventually impatience won out and she slipped down back stairs and through little used corridors until she came to the kitchen. From there she exited onto the grounds.

She stayed in the shadows as much as possible. Even though it was already dark she didn’t know who may or may not be watching the grounds. The last thing she needed was a well meaning Guardsman watching after her.

Her excitement at the thought of seeing him again was tempered by her worry. He had chosen an ill fated time to come. Unless it was Sir Guy’s presence that brought him here, which worried her even more.

She wandered through the orchard. She could still smell the apples in the upper most branches. This mingled with the scent of drying leaves and the hint of moisture in the air. It was almost intoxicating. She would always have fond memories of this place.

She approached the ancient oak and smiled up into its dense and twisted branches. A familiar hand reached down to help her climb up into its shelter. She laughed softly to herself, mostly to shake off the ghosts of the past and took his hand.

“Are you all right? Why did you come?” She asked as she settled onto one of the thick limbs.

He smiled at “I’m fine” he said “But I need your help”

“Anything, you know that.” She said as she began to open the bundle she had brought with her.

“That’s a good start” He said as his stomach growled loudly.

“There are visitors at the castle. You have to be exceptionally careful. Gisburne is amongst them.”

He paused, studying her face “Why is he here?” His tone suddenly sharp.

“Apparently escourting Edward deFalaise to London”

“Falaise? Is he mad? What is that man doing here.” Robert all but saw red. This was beyond an affront to his family. The man who had imprisoned his uncle demanding sanctuary from his father… while Anna was here. It was beyond foul.

“Being a peacock” She said with an angry frown. “Apparently he is on his way to see King John… who thought it would be amusing for him to stay here for a few days while enroute.”

Robert sighed “I’m sorry to add to the tension for you”

She smiled. “nonsense. You are the one bright spot I have had in my day so far. What do you need, Robert?”

He explained about the cave and that they had to find a way to clense it or they would be forced to find another place to live during the winter. He told her what little he had been able to gather from his conversations with Herne. She looked thoughtful as he spoke, listening to the descriptions and concerns.

“If she is still tied to Caillech she will be stronger in the winter. Legends speak of Caillech turning to stone in the spring… and returning to live at summers end.”

“Summers end” He muttered.

She nodded “All Hallows Eve.” She said and smiled as he looked at her in confusion “its sometimes called summers end. If you don’t hve it cleansed by then you wont before the winter passes. “ She frowned “Robert… its possible she will come across into this world more substantially on that night as well. If she lives between… my grandmother used to say that the barrier between was thinnest on that night.”

He leaned his head back against the trunk of the tree and sighed. “That doesn’t give us much time to prepare. We took care of the stones as Loxley’s father had done in the past but that wasn’t enough befores so I don’t know that it is going to help this time. Something enables her to reach into Sherwood. … I don’t know” He sighed “I am no mystic… and I am certainly no sorcerer.”

“you don’t have to be” she said studying the lines of his face. She had seen this expression so often. The feelings of inadequacy displayed plainly. “Remind me to kick your father when I go back inside” She grumbled, only half teasing.

“Where did that come from” he asked Sometimes he simply didn’t understand how her mind worked.

She sighed “Because he is the one that taught you to doubt yourself”

Robert fell silent. He didn’t have an answer for that. He supposed she was right. He had spent most of his life trying to live up to his father’s Expectations. Trying and failing. If it wasn’t his actions it was his attitude that was in question. His beliefs, his sense of duty, everything had been in question every moment of his life. But that had all fallen to the side, forgotten in the moment his father had given his blessing.

“Well…” she said and paused a moment. “First things first… this cave of yours… I’m not certain if it will work… but … there was something about Elder trees. Remember Dougal’s cave? There was the burned out felled Elder tree in front of it. I remember even the priests back home use it to banish evil spirits.”

She had his undivided attention once more.

“Everything around you is more than it seems. This tree. Its just a tree. One day, perhaps tomorrow by lightening strike or a hundred years from now of rot it will die and be consigned to the winter’s fire. But it is also a symbol. Symbols have power beyond their form. It’s a symbol of strength. A guardian. For you and I it’s a safe haven. Yet … it is just a tree.”

She looked up into the tree and pointed to a cluster of mistletoe “For peace” she blushed “And other things. But if you hang it… you don’t want to fight around it… it will undo the blessing.”

“Other things?” He asked, smiling at the color that rose in her cheeks.

“Ahm… health…” She said looking to her hands “Love… fertility” She blushed even deeper. “I ahm… have heard that it has protective uses as well… but I have never seen it used as such. So I couldn’t give you proper instruction.”The last was said rather quickly, hoping to draw Robert’s attention away.

“Love ?” He asked, still enjoying her embarrassment.

“Love” She repeated quietly, her eyes meeting his, then looking away.

He looked at her, sadly then “Anna…”

“Don’t” She said firmly “What else did Herne say?”

Robert sighed. He didn’t want to let the subject drop. It felt wrong somehow. But he had come to get information and he couldn’t let his personal feelings interfere with that. There would be time for them to talk later. Of that he was certain. Or at least hopeful “ He said that there was always a part of the god in the avatar, even in madness… that there were weaknesses and limitations.”

She smiled a little at the rustling of the leaves. It had begun to rain. They were sheltered within the branches, only the rare droplet would reach them. It was a soothing sound “She must have weaknesses somewhere. She is human. So therefore must be stoppable. “

“I shot her and she still lives. She faded away right before my eyes.”

“If she lives in between this world and the underworld, she is neither here nor there. It is possible that the stones weakened the barrier. Proximity made it easier to reach you… and when she nearly took John he had been asleep. Very likely she used his dreams.”

“Marion has been receiving dreams from Loxley.” He frowned a moment then looked up as if startled. “Robin… the first born son… bound to Herne… Herne is bound to the forest.”

“Herne speaks through dreams…” She asked

Robert nodded “But Loxley is dead.” He said frowning once more.

“He died in the forest, yes?”

Robert again nodded.

“Easily with her reach. She could have taken it from him as he lay dying. How one can go about taking gifts given by the spirit of the forest I do not know. But I suppose all is possible.”

“But he spoke to Marion in her dreams. Wouldn’t that imply that he had retained the gift?”

She nodded “Although the dead have been known to communicate through dreams to those they loved in life. I think perhaps it was his bond to Herne that was taken…”

“But that passed to me” He was growing more confsed as the conversation continued. Confused and concerned. He didn’t know how to carefully broach this conversation with marrion. The others deserved to know what was discussed here, it effected their lives and safety as much as his. But he knew that this would be more than difficult for Marion.

“I wish I knew cartainties, Robert. I can only speculate with you, and teach you what I can about things such as this.” She said caressing the bark of the tree.

“For that I am grateful” he said.

“I will gather a few things for you. They may or may not aid you in cleansing the evil from your home… but I don’t see that it will hurt anything. I cant do it before tomorrow and I cant leave you out here in the rain for the night.”

He smiled for her warmly “I will be fine.”

“You will be wet and cold” Anna corrected.

He looked around himself “I’ll be fine. It wouldn’t be the first time I have slept in this tree.”

“Hmm… usually at noonday while dodging your father’s foul humors as I recall. Not at night… not in an autumn rain.”

“you worry too much” He said quietly.

She slipped her cloak from her shoulders “If you wont come inside then at least keep this with you”

“you need that” he said.

“I will be going inside, and enjoying your old room with its fireplace and soft bed. I think I can manage crossing the orchard and courtyard without melting from the rain.”

He smiled a little “All right” he said.

“I don’t know when I will be able to come. I will have to be careful of Gisburne He is a slippery sort I have found” She said remembering his attempted kiss earlier “Rather intent upon my attentions.” She added with a sigh “I will try and come in the morning then perhaps lure the man off with a ride. You should be able to slip away unseen by any that would care at that time.”

“I don’t want you spending time with him for my sake. I can manage on my own.” He tensed at the very thought of her alone with Gisburne again. He didn’t trust the man and certainly didn’t trust him with Anna. He had heard of the man’s antics with the poor Jewess a few short years ago. He was unrelenting when he wanted something… or someone.

“I can manage Sir Guy. You worry about staying warm and getting back to Sherwood safely. I wish I could bring you within.”

He shook his head “Not with visitors about. If one of them saw me they would think my father was aiding us.”

She nodded and handed him the cloak. “I should go back inside before they notice me gone. “

“Be careful, Anna” he said in earnest.

She leaned forward before beginning her descent from the tree and kissed his temple lightly. “Always” She said softly and smiled at the reversal.

Robert frowned as she left. He didn’t like it at all. Had he known Gisburne was going to be present he would have waited a few days before coming. He watched her as she ran through the trees, losing sight of her as she left the orchard.

He pulled the cloak up around him, it smelled of the rose water she used to rinse her hair. He breathed deeply and settled in for an uneasy, and uncomfortable night.

Anna slipped back into the castle and shook the rain off as best she could before mounting the stairs to her room. She had not wanted to leave Robert out there. But he was right. They couldn’t risk Gisburne finding him within the castle. It was risky enough to leave him where he was.

She opened her door and entered the room closing it behind her. She stoked the fire in the fireplace and changed out the wet garments quickly. She settled onto the rug before the fireplace and began to comb her long dark hair, letting her thoughts wonder where they would. Not at all surprised that they always returned to the man she had left without.

Once her hair had dried she reached into her pouch and removed a small silver knife and cut a lock from the underside of her hair. She divided it into sections and slowly began to braid it into a long thing cord, singing softly all the while, staring into the embers as she worked.

Once done she crawled exhausted into bed and slipped the braided cord under her pillow, hoping for dreams that would aid her in her endeavors.

Rosrosrosrosros

Marion woke slowly. Even though she couldn’t remember them her dreams had been troubling. She looked about the sleeping camp, smiling a little at Will as he kept his watch. The suns light was just beginning to creep across the sky, and she rose folding up her blankets.

She could hear the grash crunch under foot as she made her way to the stream. It had gotten cold enough in the night to frost, She frowned wondering at how early it had come this year. Thankfully it was a light frost and not bad enough to destroy the crops before they could be harvested.

She wished Robert would return. She had been worried that he had gone off on his own, although she understood his reasoning. He knew Huntington better than anyone else, save prehaps his father. He would be able to move quicker and less noticeably on his own. That still left him vulnerable. No one would know if anything happened to him.

She shook her head and sighed. It was just her dreams. That was all. They ahd been dreadful that night and for the first time in weeks she was relieved not to have remembered them. She folloed the stream for a while, enjoying the solitude of early morning. Her thoughts drifted to happier times and soon she was following a familiar path.

Angharad watched Marion in the scrying pool and smiled, glancing over her shoulder at Loxley.

“Leave her alone” He growled, pushing himself upright.

“Leave her alone?” She repeated “First disobedience and now demands? You forget yourself young one. SO much like your father…”She returned her attention to the pool.

“More than you know” he muttered, green eyes narrowing.

Rosrosrosrosros

Anna wakened early. The rain had subsided to little more than mist. She dressed warmly and quickly. She placed the cord into a bag and headed down the stairs, stopping first by the kitchen to gather a little bread and cheese, then on to the outside and into the herb garden, gathering things she thought might lend aid to the work ahead.

With a quick look around her to make certain she wasn’t observed she made her way to the orchard and the Oak. She found Robert already wakened and waiting for her as she climbed into the branches of the enormous tree.

“I don’t know how well this will work but its worth a shot” She said excitedly “The first thing you will have to do is rid the cave of all her markings.”

“What about the claw marks? They are embedded in the stone.”

She thought for a moment “Fill them in?” She suggested “Clay or something of that nature might work. “ She smiled a little as he nodded “There are some herbs and a cord within” She said handing him the bag “as well as a little food for the trip… you will need to make a broom of an elder branch, bind the herbs to it with the cord. Sweep down everything you can reach, then you will need to burn the broom at the mouth of the cave. Short of hacking down an elder tree and burning it at the mouth of the cave, I don’t know what else to suggest. Some how I don’t think you want the attention of a fire that large.”

He smiled at her warmly.”Thank you” he said and then frowned a little “There are others things we need to speak of Anna”

She sighed “But not now” she said. “There will be time for that later.”

“you cant be certain of that”

“If the time does not come… then the conversation was not needed.” She said, then fell silent, motioning for Robert to do the same, hearing the sound of approaching footsteps.

Roberts hand strayed to Albion, and he moved silently to a higher limb.

“my lady?” It was Gisburne.

Anna looked about her then grabbed a few leaves from the tree and her cloak before climbing down. “Sir Guy” she said brightly “I didn’t expect anyone to be up and about this early.”

“Old habit” He stated then looked at her quizzically. “What were you doing up there?”

She produced the leaves “I was gathering a few of the leaves to make a garland.” She said “They are beginning to turn color” She held out her cloak “would you help me?” She asked.

“Of course” he said and took it from her hand to slip it over her shoulders.

Robert tensed as he watched the scene below. His stomach knotted angrily.

“I wanted to ride today, before the rain returns. Would you accompany me?” She asked as she began to walk away from the tree.

The knight glanced suspiciously to the tree but nodded “I would be honored my lady” he began to walk with her, stealing the occasional look over his shoulder.

Rosrosrosrosros

Marion screamed as she fell. It wasn’t a long drop, little more than a meter. Itw as the creature that made her cry out more than anything else. Those eyes, malevolent, hateful eyes. Her screams were silenced as she struck her head on the stone and fell unconscious.

Nasir looked up from the campfire, frowning deeply.

“Yeah… I heard it too” Said Will, grabbing his sword. The others joined them as they left camp in search of Marion.

They found her at the base of the small Gully . John stepped down and hefted her into his arms, worry evident in his features. “She’s still alive.” He said as he eased her onto the ground in front of Tuck. The friar examined her carefully “It doesn’t look bad. She should come around soon” He said worriedly “Lets get her back to camp”

Once more John lifted her into his arms, carrying her back to the camp and the warmth of the fire. Much rolled out her bedding and looked on worriedly as she was tucked in and Tuck set about bandaging her head.

Rosrosrosrosros

Robert slipped from the castle walls quickly and chose a route through the forest to take him home in order to avoid possible recognition, or being seen by Gisburne. As much as he hated Anna being alone with that man he wasn’t going to make her endure his presence in vain.

He had wanted to tell her that he was going to ask Marion to marry him. He hoped that she would say yes, but he wasn’t certain. Sometimes he thought that she returned his feelings. That she loved him as he loved her. Others he was certain that she did not. He feared that perhaps she would take him out of loneliness more than love. Some how the thought made him feel empty inside.

If she refused him he would have to find a way to get past it. He couldn’t let it cripple him, even if he feared it might. He couldn’t let it turn him into a bitter and lonely man as it had his father. Knowing the truth about Lady Margaret had given him a great deal more insight into his father and his ways.

As it neared mid day, he made his way back to the road. Hoping for another friendly cart to go by. He wanted to get back to Marion and the others as quickly as possible.

Rosrosrosrosros

In her dreams, Marion rose from the gully where she had fallen and glanced about her. Had she been unconscious for so long? It looked to be nearing dusk already. The others must be worried to death, she thought and began walking.

She wondered that she had gotten lost so easily. Surely not! She had spent years in Sherwood, wandering its depths with Robin, later showing them to Robert. She frowned as the trail came to an end “Whats going on here?” She asked quietly. She thought of Nasir’s tale of the brambles growung up to block his path, of the creature that had frightened her and sent her over into the ditch. She was certain she was being toyed with and it angered her.

She back tracked only to find that way blocked to her as well “No” she said firmly “I will not be your latest victim. Do you hear me?” she said, looking aorund her. There was a determination in her tone, tinged ever so slightly with fear. She pressed through the thinnest point in the brush and came out upon another path. She smiled to herself and tried to get her bearings. If this witch could change the forest at a whim, Marion would have to rely on something other than the natural landmarks to find her way back to camp.

Her eyes scanned the forest canopy, ever watchful for that thing that had frightened her earlier. Robert had mentioned that just such a creature had attacked Anna Mohr, knocking her from her horse. She was certain it was the same manifestation.

The sky darkened as she continued, rapidly turning to nightfall. It was dark before she finally came to the stream. She sank down onto one of the nearby stones to rest before continuing onward. She didn’t doubt there would be obstacles in her way and she wanted to be ready for them. She could only hope that the others were all right.

She thought she saw something out of the corner of her eye, but as she turned it was gone. It was enough tos end a chill down her spine and she rose slowly to her feet, moving further up stream. She was accustomed to the sounds fo the forest at night. She wasn’t startled by the rustling of the trees, or the fall of nuts and twigs as squirrels played over head. Even the occasional sounds of something scurrying through the underbrush could be easily explained away and never crossed her mind as out of the ordinary. It was the lack of these sounds that frightened her.

She looked about trying to see if they had someh ow missed one of the witch’s stones, but there was none to be seen. She shivered and pressed on, her hands clenched at her sides. Soon she was running. She didn’t remember beginning to run, or why she had done so. She was only certain now that if she stopped she would die in this place… this horrific place. The night had grown colder and there was a frost upon the ground. The trees thinned and she felt hope again as she ran through the medow, and up to the Tor. Her heart clenched in despair as she reached its apex.

“Robin” she sobbed and looked around her. The ground was littered with arrows, soaked with blood “no, Robin, no” she sank to her knees, one trembling hand reached out to touch the stained earth.

“There now” came the woman’s voice, and Marion looked to face its source She was tall and willow thin. She wore a wimple and a simple woolen gown. “Are you lost my dear?” She asked in sweet concerned tones.

Marion noded and wiped at the tears that had begun to fall.

“Come with me child,lets get you next to the fire and warmed” She said and reached out to help her to her feet. Marion was led to a small hut. Within all was warm and bright. As if the darkness that was outside couldn’t find its way in.

Marion sat on the floor near the hearth trying to warm herself. “I’m so cold” she said, wrapping her arms about herself “It shouldn’t be this cold so early. Something is wrong.” She said.

The woman slipped a woolen blanket about her shoulders “Here now, this will help. The stoo will be warm soon enough and that will help warm you. What ever were you doing up on that hill crying at this time of night.”

Marion tried to rememer why she had been there, but she couldn’t think clearly. She was too cold. “my… husband. He died there” she said at last.

“Its no easy thing being a widow.”She said stirring the pot. “I know this well enough. Especially not for one so young and pretty as yourself”

“you’re very kind” Marion said and watched her stir, first one way, then the other. “I’m feeling better now.: she said “Is there anything I can do to help?”

The woman set her about little tasks. Marion found her mind drifting as she performed the seemingly little chores. It had seemed that she had spent an eternity cleaning out one little wooden bowl. Yet she looked over at the woman and still she stirred the pot. She was so very tired.

“Come, sit down” The woman finally said and took the bowl to fill it for her.

“Don’t eat it”

“Robin!” Marion exclaimed, looking to the shadows from where her husband’s voice came.

“Who are you talking to dear?” the woman asked, handing her the food “There’s no one here but you and me:

“I…” Marion frowned, looking back at the shadows “of course … you are right”

“Marion no” he said again “Don’t listen to her. This place isnt real, you must believe me.”

“well, eat up Dear, you cant spend the rest of your life listening to ghosts. You are safe here. Safe as a babe in arms.”

Marion rose and walked to the the shadows “Robin?” She asked stepping out of the warm glow of the hearth and into the darkness. She gasped at what she found within “Oh Robin” She brushed his dark hair from his face, gently kissing his battered features “What has happened to you?”

He wrapped his arms about her slowly, uncertainly. He let out his breath, not realizing he had been holding it and pulled her to him tightly, breathing in the familiar scent of her hair. He kissed her temple then eased her gently back. His placed his hands on either side of her face and kissed her lips tenderly, almost hungrily “This place isnt real Maron. It is of her making”

“you’re here, that’s all that matters” She said, tears forming in her eyes. She didn’t know how he was here, alive, but he was and at that moment she didn’t care about the how or why.

He closed his eyes “No” he said gently, but firmly . He opened his eyes once more knowing what he had to say, even though it was going to break his heart to do it. “I am lost to you Marion. “ She began to speak, but he touched her lips lightly “I am lost, you must go on with your life.:

“no.” She said “Do not send me away again. Not now, not after I have only just found you”

“I don’t want to” He said honestly “But our time has passed. You must not seek me out Marion. She will use your love against you. Turn it into something else for her use.”

“no” She repeated “I have lost you once, I will not lose you again”

“You have not found me. I am still lost.This is but a dream of her making. You have a full life ahead of you. A life that cannot include me” He stroked her hair softly and kissed her once more “You must waken” She faded from his embrace and soon Angharad’s illusions faded as well.

He leaned against the bars of the cage and heaved a ragged sigh.

The witch came and knelt at his side “I should punish you for that” She said, then smiled faintly. “But I think you have caused yourself more pain than I could ever inflict. “She walked back to the pool “A pity really… as your little sacrifice was pointless.”

“What do you mean?”

“They come” She said simply and returned her gaze to the waters.

Robert looked once more to Marion. He had returned to find her still unconscious and so she had remained through the next day. It had taken all his will power to leave her side long enough to create the broom as Anna had instructed him.

She had wakened as if from a deep sleep and nothing more, and now she stood at the mouth of the cave with an elder branch in hand staring at the darkness within the cave. She looked haunted some how, and he approached her, placing his hands on her shoulders. She rewarded him with a smile.

“I love you” he said quietly

“I know”

(Begin “Time of the wolf” )