- Chapter 87 -

I turned to look at him with tears starting to bubble in my eyes. His knees buckled as he saw me, his face white and tears staining his cheeks, I gulped away the ball in my throat as Isabella cackled proudly watching her brother break. I cupped his face giving him a sad smile as he looked away from me and glared murderously at his sister.

"I'll do whatever you want, but don't take her life." He angrily begged her as Isabella remained silent for a moment almost as though she was thinking it over before she chuckled.

"Proceed with the execution!" She ordered as Guy leapt to his feet and pushed me behind him.

"NO! She's just an innocent girl!" He protested as the guards push Guy and I onto the stumps. Guy looked at me with broken eyes in horror and the though of see me die twice as the guards part our hair away from our necks. I felt the cool metal of the blade rest on the back of my neck as I closed my eyes and let out a shaky breath as the blade lifts off the back of my neck.

I heard a gasp and groan as I saw from the corner of my eyes Guy's executioner fall backwards with an arrow in his chest. I heard another arrow hit my own executioner as the axe that was about to sentence me to death fell and landed a mere inch from my nose causing me to flinch backward as I felt Guy unlocked the cuffs on my wrists, before I did the same.

"Hood. Get him!" I heard Isabella roar angrily as I let out a sigh of relief to know that Sarah had been able to get to him in time. Chaos began to erupt as several of the gang members started to fight against the guards as Guy jumps down from the platform before he turns to help me down. Grapping me at my waist I happily place my hands on his shoulders with a smile as I enjoyed being in his arms and the warmth that spread through my body. I couldn't enjoy the moment before I quickly pushed him out of the way of a coming soldier.

Ducking as he swung his sword at me I sent a harsh kick into his stomach as I felt a hand grab my forearm as I turned to see it was Little John. I relaxed slightly at the sight and began to protest however when he began to drag me out of the castle.

"No! GUY!" I shouted as I tried to turn so I could see him over the chaos as Little John lifted me over his shoulder and began to run as I stared heartbroken hearing Guy shouting my name.

"ESME!" He cried but I couldn't see him and I prayed he got out from the castle.

"NO! John go back!" I begged him as he continued to run ignoring my protests and attempts to wiggle from his grip. I became silent only when we had reached Sherwood Forest as Little John placed me on my feet once we had reached the camp. Running my fingers trough my hair I chewed my nails worried for Guy as the gang soon returned and welcomed me with hugs and cheers to my safety.

"Guy? Did he escape?" I ask quickly as Allan sent me a smirk and wink as I gave a sigh of relief.

"He escaped to the forest somewhere. We can hunt for him in the morning" Robin promised as I wanted nothing more than to protest but I simply nodded. As the fire roared in the middle of the camp I noticed Robin going over to sit by Kate as I smirked at them as Kate blushed and chuckled at something he had said. They happily stared at each other as I could see the love they shared as Robin gave her a long kiss and a cheeky grin.

"Well it's about time! I'm happy for you both." I chuckle as they jumped slightly before smiling up at me.

"Thank you Esme. I'm going to see when dinner is ready." Robin smiled as he hugged me tightly and lifted me off my feet causing me to squeal. He placed a kiss on my forehead before walking off as I saw Kate stand up slightly nervous and brushing the dirt off her dress.

"I'm sorry if I have been nasty towards you. I just was jealous about Robin." She answered truthfully as I just giggled along with her.

"No need to apologize. He's like my brother and I'm happy he has someone like you." I truthfully told her as she seemed to beam at my approval.

"Come on. Let's see what Much is cooking for dinner." She chuckled. Dinner went quickly and Robin allowed me to use his bunk for the evening until my own could be set up as he happily camped on the ground. I struggled to fall asleep as I stared up at the stars wondering where Guy was and was he ok. In the early hours of the morning I awoke and made up my bed before I decided to go try and hunt him down before the others awoke.

I must have been out for an hour or so and was having no luck in finding him as I suddenly heard a twig snap to my right. Straightening up I saw no one in view and sighed before I felt something hit my neck. Wincing I pull out a slim dart and begin to fall woozy as I swoon onto the ground. I struggled to keep my eyes open as I see a strange man in a dark cloak coming towards me before I pass out.

*************

A fire burns brightly between Robin and Guy, who are lying on either side of it, Robin facing it and Guy with his back to it. Both have their hands and feet bound together. Robin wakes, grunting softly whilst Guy wakes, too, silently. In the distance, an owl hoots and a wolf howls. Robin tries to get up and discovers his bonds and Guy looks around trying to pinpoint where he is and finds he is bound, too.

"What is this?" Robin groaned confused as they both tried with all their might to break the bonds.

"Who's done this? Hood?" Guy questioned as he rolled over to his enemy. It was the only time he felt nervous and actually wished that this had been Robin's work.

"No. Where are you?! You're a coward to take us like this!" Robin asked Guy earnestly before he shouted to the empty forest for their attacker to come forward as Guy tries to pull himself free.

"Show yourself!" Guy shouted as they both hear footsteps crackling on the carpet of dead leaves.

"Gisborne?" Robin whispers. They turned their heads to see a stranger hobbling towards them with a body draped over one shoulder. Robin frowned for a moment recognizing the black leather clothing before his eyes widened knowing that it was Esme, the stranger carried as he began to struggle harder. Guy's frowned expression changed to seeing Esme and grew both concerned and anger. They betrayal and broken sadness began to flood through him and overpowered his concern for her as he turned away from her as the stranger gently lay her down on the ground in between them. He steps around the fire to sit on a fallen tree where both can see him, but with his face far back in his deep ragged hood, keeping his identity hidden from both.

"Wake up" Robin whispered barely under his breath as he gently placed to fingers against her neck to feel her steady pulse.

"Who sent you? Prince John?" Guy demanded as he paid no attention to the care that Robin was providing to Esme as he kept his attention fixed on the stranger in front of him.

"No, this is one of your sister's tricks. What would Isabella want with us?" Robin spat as he glared at the stranger. His brotherly instincts taking over as he shielded the unconscious Esme away from the stranger in front of them.

"I want you to listen and understand. Someone's life depends on it." The stranger spoke. His voice was hoarse and raspy which made him cough through his sentences.

"I find it hard to understand when I'm tied. Now free me!" Guy spat through gritted teeth as he kicked out his tied feet and pulled at his tied wrists to prove a point towards the stranger, though me made no movement.

"I'll free you, free you from the bad blood that shackles you to each other." The Stranger wheezed out as they both scoffed at the idea. There was more than just bad blood between them. The stranger had to be mental to think he could free them of that, they both thought.

"Well, maybe there are good reasons for that bad blood. What do you know about our lives anyway?" Guy darkly snapped back as he turned to glare darkly at Robin who was more than happy to return the glare.

"More than you do. I know the truth. " The stranger added as they both paused with confusion and blinked up at the stranger.

"The truth about what?" Robin questioned impatiently as he struggled against his ropes.

"About how your parents really died."

Once the words and had left the strangers mouth they both stopped squirming and fell silent. Pained expressions and memories flooded through their minds as they remembered the events of that day and those before. Events that had made them enemies as Robin hung his head low and took in a deep breath.

"You know about the fire. So?" Guy asked him unimpressed and defensive.

"It was never a secret. Everybody knew that we both became orphans that day." Robin spoke softly his face showing his pain as Guy blinked at him before turning away.

"There are still things you don't know about your past." The stranger continued as Guy just growled rolling his eyes before they drifted back to Esme as he felt his heart soften. Groaning with a throb in her forehead Esme began to awake as Guy glanced down at her only to have his eye catch to the red gleam of his engagement ring. His breath caught in his throat and his heart ached as he watched her slowly sit up and rub the side of her neck.

"Robin? Guy? Wha--?" She breathed and struggled against her bonds beside them as she turned to them in confusion and noticed the stranger opposite them and stiffened in defense. Rising to a sitting position she glanced over at Guy who merely glared and gave her cold shoulder as she scoffed at his childish attitude.

"Seriously? You want to be doing this now?" She hissed at him before he turned around and glared at her.

"You lied to me! I thought you were dead!" He angrily snapped at her as Robin rolled his eyes at the two.

"Can you have your lovers quarrel some other time?" He suggested.

"Stay out of this Hood!" Guy growled at him as he held up his hands in surrender and butted out slightly before Esme rolled her eyes at his defensive attitude once again.

"Why am I here?" She questioned the man in front of them.

"You are here to keep the peace. There a secrets I must tell you about your pasts" The stranger began.

*************

20 Years Ago in Locksley barn Malcolm, Robin's father, tall and broad shouldered with wavy brown hair that curled behind his ears stood waiting patiently. Suddenly the barn door opened to revel a dark-haired woman dressed in a rich purple robe, it was clear she had French or Italian heritage through her facial features. Smiling at Malcolm she ran towards as they quickly embraced.

"Oh, Ghislaine. I've been thinking about you all day." He whispered into her hair before he places a delicate kiss on her cheek as she smiled up at him.

"We do not have much time, but if you wish to talk, then..." She spoke softly with a French accent as Ghislaine kisses Malcolm.

"Oh... Oh, I look forward to the day when we no longer have to hide in stables and outhouses to do this." He muttered against her lips before he tangled his fingers into her hair.

"Mm. Not long now, my love." She chuckled as they embraced unaware that a seventeen year-old Guy had been stalking after his mother when he noticed she disappeared in the day. Watching her embrace with Malcolm Locksley made his furious as he ran off in anger.

*************

"My father loved one woman only, and that was my mother. " Robin spat angrily towards the stranger in front of them. Horrified that he thought his father could love Ghislaine Gisborne when his own mother had died.

"That's just what you were told. The truth was kept from you by your precious father." Guy spat at him causing Robin to scoff and growl towards Guy as Esme felt a bit squished in the middle as she had to place a hand on Guy's chest and push him back softly. Her fingers lingered against his warmth skin as she noticed his heartbeat quicken.

"What are you talking about?!" Robin demanded

"He shielded you from reality like he always did! You were never made to face the consequences of your actions." Guy snapped back as Robin's glares hesitated as even Esme had to bite her lower lip. She knew that when they were younger Robin got away with mischief and knew that Guy had made a very good point as she could see that Robin was pondering on the though.

"You were once on a very different path, Robin." The stranger spoke.

*************

The past. In Locksley at night the village was decorated for a celebration. A roasted pig is brought into the village. There are jugglers and re-eaters and music. Lanterns have been strung round in a ring just outside the manor.

"Robin, come and give Swain a hand." Malcolm called as Robin came bounding down the stairs cheerfully and nodding to his father. As Robin hurries forward with his father's recurve bow over his shoulder and joins Swain, who is rolling a barrel towards the festivities as Ghislaine comes out of the manor with her children.

"Guy, Isabella, come with me." Ghislaine smiles to her children as she walks to the crowd and addresses them. Guy stands beside her, sullen because of his discovery earlier in the day and glares briefly at Lord Locksley from where he stood.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, I am so pleased you decided to join me in celebrating the safe return of our men from the Holy Land. Sadly, not everyone was able to make the journey back, and I would ask that we think also of our loved ones who died on this day. As you know, I feel your pain, as it is my own, my own husband being among the dead." She spoke as Guy hangs his head, as does Isabella. Ghislaine smiles at Malcolm as Longthorn pushes through the crowd angrily.

"My Lady Gisborne, as bailiff of these parts, it's my duty to ask who will now be the lord of the manor?" He demanded his only thoughts on power and greed as Ghislaine narrowed her eyes at him.

"Longthorn! Now is not the time." Malcolm shouted over the crowd at her defence.

"No. He is right to ask. There will be no lord. Instead, there will be a lady of the manor." She brightly spoke as he scoffed at the idea.

"So... we're expected to serve a woman? A French woman? The land should be returned to Lord Locksley. This village was awarded to your husband for his services in the Holy Land. Now he's dead... it's your right to reclaim them." He demanded to Malcolm as he folded his arms over his chest.

"A right I will not be exercising. Sir Roger fought and died for an English king. His family should be respected. To Sir Roger of Gisborne." Malcolm respectfully spoke as the villagers all raise their cups and chant: "Sir Roger of Gisborne." Longthorn turns away, disappointed.

"Now.... to celebrate those who have returned and to honour those who have not, I want you to join me in enjoying something the men have brought back from their travels. The re wheel... will light our skies to show us that our darkest days are now behind us. Now, I need two strong men to lift the wheel and the two best archers in the county." Gishlaine spoke as all turn to look behind Malcolm and Robin at the tall tower of golden new wood. Leaning against its base is a large, solid wooden wheel flanked by several crates.

"Robin, will you help me?" Ghislaine asked him smiling as he happily pleased with himself to be one of the best archers in the country.

"And Guy." Ghislained added as the corners of Guy's mouth twitch. As the people make their way towards the tower, Robin picks up his father's recurve bow and starts to ask him a question.

"Father, may I—"

"Robin..." He spoke to his son in a warning tone as Malcolm takes the bow from his son.

"I want to make the shot." Robin pouted with a whine like a spoiled child's

"And you will, but not because of the bow. You're not ready." He told his son as Robin hangs his head, disappointed, and Malcolm pulls Robin's head into his shoulder with a hug, rubbing his head. Malcolm looks at Ghislaine, who turns to him, smiling and Malcolm walks to the tower to assist the others.

"ROBIN!" Esme cried out happily as the two boys glanced over to see Esme dressed in a soft deep blue gown that hugged her body well. Grinning at her smugly he welcomed her into his arms as she hugged him happily. Over her shoulder however Robin glanced at Guy with a smug look making him glare and look away slightly.

"I don't know why you're bothering, Guy. You're a terrible shot. I'm younger than you, and everyone knows I'm the best shot in the village." Robin sneered at him as Esme pulled out from their hug and slapped his shoulder pouting.

"Robin that's cruel!" She sternly told him as she gave Guy a small smile unsure of whether or not to give him a hug or not.

"Only because you keep telling everyone you are. I thought your father said you couldn't use his bow. You're not ready. " Guy snapped back before he smirked at Robin that he was going against his father's wishes as he continued to hold his father's recurve bow. Esme had to leave the two boys out of politeness to thank the hosts for inviting her, if only she hadn't.

Robin was set on proving his own father wrong as they watched the wheel begin to rise with a lantern hanging in the middle near the tower top. He was set on hitting the lantern and proving Guy wrong and wanting to show off to Esme as he notched a white etched arrow onto his bow. Guy tried to warn him by snatching it from him, however Robin immediately grabs Guy's black-etched arrow, nocks it and shoots before Guy can react again. The arrow hits just below the lantern on the wheel being raised in front of it. Robin and Guy watch as the arrow burns and sets off the fireworks. The two men pulling on the rope underneath it, one of whom is Swain, look up at the noise and sparks.

Robin watches, partly in awe of the fireworks, partly in horror. The men below are showered in sparks. Malcolm waits at the top of the tower to guide the wheel into place. He looks down at the commotion. The second man on the rope can't bear the sparks and runs away, leaving Swain on his own. Robin drops his bow and backs away, knowing he would be in serious trouble now as Longthorn and the villagers gather behind him and Guy, who is still holding his longbow.

Swain tries desperately to hold the wheel up, but the rope slips from his hands and the wheel falls on top of him.

"Swain!" Malcolm shouts out as Swain lies under the wheel on his chest. Malcolm watches, horrified, then quickly descends the tower. Esme ran over towards the two boys in shock of what had happened and noticed the bow still in Guy's hands and the white arrow he held as she was shocked to think he had fired the arrow on purpose as Longthorn points at Guy.

"Seize the boy!" Longthorn shouted as Esme watched Robin as he does nothing but watch as two men each take one of Guy's arms. She saw the guilty look on Robin's face and began to doubt it had been Guy in the first place. Meanwhile Malcolm gets the rope, steps back out of the way of the cascading sparks and pulls on the rope to lift the wheel off Swain. Two other men step forward and take the rope to help Malcolm as Swain cries out in pain as Malcolm pulls him out to a safer spot. Longthorn leads the villagers to them, holding Guy's longbow over his head.

"Don't just stand there! Somebody get a physician!" Malcolm ordered as Robin follows Ghislaine as she kneels at Swain's side to see if she can help him. Guy stands right behind her, watching, still held by the men.

"You see? You see what your stupid prank has done?" Longthorn hissed down at Guy as Guy tried to defend himself though Longthorn didn't believe it when he swore he didn't do it.

"It wasn't me!" Robin quickly swore as Guy inches in frustration at Robin's denial of responsibility.

"Of course it wasn't, Master Robin. Swain cries out. You wouldn't fire at your own father. He fired the arrow that caused the priest's injuries. He's a murderer!" Longthorn accused down towards Guy. However Esme watched him panic as his pleas for innocence fell on deaf ears as Longthorn pulls out Guy's black-etched arrow from the wheel, and Guy immediately sees he has no defense.

"One of yours, Master Guy? As bailiff, it's my job to uphold the law." Longthorn smugly spoke as Guy hangs his head, knowing he will not be believed even if he tells the truth. Little did he know was Esme believed him, she looked over to Robin and shook her head at him causing him to frown.

"I warn you only to hold the boy. Any further action and you will have me to answer to." Malcolm ordered though Ghislaine tried to fight against it. Malcolm whispered something in her ear before she helped get Swain to the manor. The men that carried him carefully laid him on the table as the room cleared out so she could work. Ghislaine realized that his ribs are broken and it had punctures a lung causing his chest to fill with air.

Grabs a slim knife from the table behind her. She pulls the clothes away from Swain's neck and holds the knife tip at Swain's chest, Malcolm trusting her to be helping him. Ghislaine punctures Swain's upper chest with the knife causing Swain to cry out and gasps when he realizes that it starts to become easier to breathe.

"Father! Father, they're going to hang Guy." Robin shouted out as he ran into the house, Malcolm and Ghislaine look at Robin in horror. Ghislaine is clearly torn between rushing to her son and tending to her patient and starts to panic.

"I'll put an end to this." Malcolm fiercely promised her before he rushed out of the manor with Robin on his heels. In the middle of Locklsey Esme stood watching poor Guy as Longthorn stood in front of the village accusing and turning the villagers against Guy and his family.

"Did you see the way she declared herself "lady of the manor?" She has no right to this estate. Like an eye for an eye, the boy must hang. We all must pay for our actions." Longthorn shouted as Guy was lifted onto a crate and a bag placed over his head.

"You were told not to harm the boy" Malcolm shouted out angrily as the people cleared a path for the Lord of the land.

"True. But now I feel compelled by the will of the people. And they want justice... ... and to that end..." He continued to speak as it seemed that Esme was the only one to notice a Crusader on a white horse stop behind the crowd and quickly dismounts and make his way through the crowd as Malcolm had drawn his sword.

"Stop! I command you to stop!" The crusaders shouted making the villagers go quiet and the Crusader strides quickly forward through the villagers.

"On whose authority?" Longthorn challenged.

"The King's... as he made me lord of this manor. I am Sir Roger of Gisborne, this boy's father. " Roger shouted as he pointed towards Guy whose head snapped up to the sound of his father's voice.

"No!"

"What? You doubt my word?" Roger snapped at the villagers wondering who it was that had spoken out of turn.

"We thought you were dead." Malcolm informed him as he shook his head.

"I was captured, not killed. Out of my way. " He commanded to Longthorn who draws his dagger.

"I cannot do that. As bailiff, I must uphold the law." He threatened trying to make himself sound more important as Robin and Esme takes a step forward to get a better view.

"You are no longer bailiff. Out of my way!" Roger shouted and his fatherly instincts began to kick in at the sight of his son about to hang.

Longthorn stabs out with the dagger. Roger puts his left hand up to block and the dagger goes right through it. Roger doesn't make a sound as Malcolm throws off Longthorn and pushes him back. Malcolm faces Roger, staring at the dagger in his hand as the people groan in horror. Longthorn and Robin stare, too. Roger pulls out the dagger, again with no sound or inch of pain.

"You will never hold office again as long as I am lord of this manor." Roger hissed at Longthorn before he throws down the dagger and goes to his son as Ghislaine comes running out of the manor.

"He will live! Swain will live! Roger. They told..." Ghislaine cried out as Roger takes the hood off Guy's head, then pulls him off the crate. Ghislaine runs through the crowd and stops in shock when she sees Roger.

"I was captured. There was no way to get word to you." He told her as her eyes widened.

"Captured? Did they hurt you?" She whispered concerned as he thought for a brief moment.

"I must talk with you at once, Ghislaine." He informed as Roger walks past his wife, who is still frozen in place. Malcolm and Robin watch him go, and then Robin hangs his head, ashamed at the turn of events.

*************

"I was truly sorry for what happened that night. It was a mistake... which I learnt from... ... and it was one that made me a better man. " Robin whispered to Guy guilty as Guy couldn't look at him as he could hear how genuine he actually sounded.

*************

Robin kneels at the side of his mother's grave on the grassy hillside overlooking Locksley. Malcolm stands by the cross with his bow.

"Do you think Mother watches me... from heaven?" Robin asked his father as Malcolm sits beside him.

"I'm sure she does. I'm sure she sees everything you do." His father spoke making Robin feel more guilty in his heart.

"Father... it was me that shot the arrow. I was showing off... with your bow." He confessed as Malcolm kneels by Robin and puts his hand on his shoulder.

"Robin... one day you will be Lord of Locksley, lord of my lands. You must grow up and learn to take responsibility when you do something wrong. You could be the best shot in England. You shouldn't stand by and let something terrible happen because you were too scared to do the right thing. Do you understand?" His father told him as he nodded before Malcolm chuckles slightly, then holds out his arms. Robin embraces his father.

*************

"Awww. How touching. Look, I really don't see the point of any of this." Guy sarcastically jeered towards Robin as he finished retelling the tale. Esme gave him a quick glare before they all turned to the Stranger. Guy had made a very clear point.

"You need to know the truth to save a life." He coughed before he continued.

*************

Several weeks after Roger had returned Ghislaine rode quickly into Sherwood Forest. Waiting patiently as Malcolm gallops towards her on his horse. Ghislaine smiles sadly as he approaches on foot and hugs her.

"Oh, we should not do this. I have done what I thought was right. I have stayed away from you, but you have no idea how hard that's been." Malcolm whispered, as he knew it was wrong to be with her now her husband had returned.

"Of course, I do. But you understand I had to care for Roger." She tried to get him to understand.

"I understand more than you think. I know about his affliction. The night of his return... Longthorn's dagger went straight through his hand, and he didn't even cry out. People will know. There is talk about the bandages, the fact that he barely leaves your house." Malcolm warned her as she frowned and shook her head.

"He told me he was infected in the Holy Land. All he wanted was to get back home and spend his last days with his family. He made his own way home, away from his soldiers, so they wouldn't know." She tried to reason with herself but she knew better, she just didn't want to hear it.

"He is a leper! If he is discovered, you will all be cast out. You should not have been put in this position, Ghislaine." He warned her and embraced her as she cried.

"There is something else." She whispered as Malcolm releases Ghislaine, who takes a step back. Malcolm waits for her to say something, but she puts her hand on top of her belly, pulling the fabric in and revealing a pregnant bump. She rubs it with her other hand. Malcolm, shocked, reaches out, hesitates, then puts his hand on her belly. Ghislaine puts her hand over his.

*************

"More lies!" Robin spat angrily that even had Guy agreeing. Esme sat quietly between the two her head hung low as her mind flashed back. Guy noticed her stiffened body posture and her head hung low.

"There was never any child." Guy snapped back as the Stranger stands and brings out his knife. They all flinched except Esme as her mind was scrambling to fit pieces together as he walked over towards them and raised his knife.

"Wh—what are you doing?" Guy asked him apprehensively.

"If you think me a liar, there's no point in you being here." The stranger spoke as he cut the ropes holding Esme's wrists and ankles. She rubbed her skin with a dazed look on her face which neither of the men but the stranger took notice off.

"Y—You're going to kill me with no means to defend myself?" Guy questioned as the Stranger cuts the rope at Gisborne's feet. Guy quickly untangles the ropes as then the Stranger cuts Robin free and Robin also quickly pulls the ropes off himself.

"Hear my story or walk away. But if you do, your brother will die. Do you want that on your consciences?" he spoke as Guy gets up and staggers a few steps as the drug still had some affect in his system. Robin also stands and means to leave only to have them both pause at the stranger's words. Guy went to continue as they both and turned to see Esme had remained seated with a tear forming in her eye. Robin noticed her behavior and trusted her judgment as he sat back down in front of the fire.

"Keep talking." Robin instructed as Guy slowly sat back down.

*************

Roger nervously sits in a chair by the fireplace. Ghislaine opens the front door and comes in, not noticing her husband at first. She closes the door, turns and is startled to see him. She regains her composure and smiles at him.

"Roger, I did not expect to see you. I was restless, I went for a ride." She smiled as he couldn't even look at his wife.

"Of course.......And on this ride, did you happen to see anyone? Malcolm Locksley perhaps?" Roger asked causing Ghislane to pause and look at her husband in shock, stunned that he knew.

"How did you know?" She whispered.

"Because I am your husband." He answered back coolly as Roger stares into the fire. Ghislaine comes over to him and kneels at his feet.

"And I have failed you as a wife." She whispered as she picks up his bandaged hand and puts her forehead to it.

"No. It is I who failed you... leaving you alone and returning like this." He spoke sadly staring into the fire as Roger puts his other hand on hers and Ghislaine looks up at him.

"No, Roger." She whispered to him guiltily.

"You will never know how grateful I am that you've kept my secret....... and allowed me to see out my days with you and the children. And I'm glad you've found someone who will care for you when I've gone. All I ask is that he has the patience to wait until that day." He told her truthfully as her heart broke at her own betrayal as he pulls up on her hands. She stands and he guides her back into the facing chair, still holding her hands. Ghislaine makes a pained face.

"Roger... you must go. No, not for me. For yourself. Now." She warns his as his face falls to a frown.

"I'm sorry. I thought that I was doing the right thing. Stands. You must leave right away. " She instructed him as suddenly somebody pounds on the door causing Ghislaine to choke down a sob. She was too late as Swain opens the door, with Longthorn following in after him. Guy and Isabella come halfway down the stairs in their nightclothes rubbing sleepy eyes as Malcolm steps inside last.

"Sir Roger, I think you know why we're here." Swain spoke as Ghislaine can barely control her tears.

Early the next morning Roger of Gisborne walks stoically through the village in the mist, the small cowbell round his neck jingling. Swain, Longthorn, Ghislaine with Guy and Isabella, and Malcolm with Robin follow him behind the church to a freshly dug grave. Esme standing beside her father were called to watch as Roger stands at its foot. The others and the villagers gather behind him, several paces off.

"Oh, will you not show him mercy? I saved your life!" Ghislaine begged upon seeing the fresh grave.

"I'm sorry. This is God's will." Swain spoke aloud as Roger looks round, then jumps in the grave and turns to face the people causing Ghislaine to cry.

"Roger of Gisborne, you are a leper and, as such, are to be cast out from the society of others. From this day forward you are deemed unclean. Do you understand?" Swain informed him as he nodded and silently spoke his understanding.

"As his wife, you may go with him... or you may declare yourself a widow and be free of your impediment. Do you declare?" Swain spoke towards Ghislaine as Roger nods at her in encouragement, knowing what needs to be done.

"Yes. From today I am a widow." She spoke as Roger is saddened upon hearing her words aloud.

"Very well.. Roger of Gisborne, I forbid you ever to enter any church, market, tavern, or any assembly of people. I forbid you to drink or eat from any vessel but your own. I forbid you to touch any child.... Now you must leave this place." Swain spoke out as Ghislaine cried loudly like a widow burying her husband at the thought of her husband never holding her children again. Robin, standing behind Isabella, looks back at his father, who stands with his arms folded and a grim look on his face

Roger turns around, walks to the far end of the grave, and tries to climb out, but can't. Guy hangs his head. Malcolm strides over and offers an arm to Roger. Roger accepts and Malcolm pulls him out.

"Thank you. Care for her. Care for them all." He spoke thankful to Malcolm as Malcolm looks past him, unable to look him in the eye. Roger glanced at his family one last time before he starts to leave up the hill.

"Father...!" Guy cried out as runs after him but Malcolm catches him.

"Get away from me!" He angrily shouts as Guy pulls himself free, but Malcolm still blocks his path. Guy watches his father go up the hill, his bell ringing faintly. Ghislaine watches him, and a tear falls down her cheek.

"You did this. I'll never forgive you." Guy spat towards Malcolm as Guy turns his gaze back to his father. Once he was gone from sight they started to make their way back to the manor, after Esme had sent her condolences and gave Guy a comforting hug. Ghislaine walks with Isabella through the tunnel into Locksley manor with Guy following them miserable, Malcolm and Robin behind him. Robin stops before he enters the tunnel whilst the others continues into the house.

"I'm not going in here. It's a leper's house. It's true! Your father's a leper!" Robin spoke in disdain as he scrunched up his face. Before Robin can finish his sentence, Guy charges him and tries to push him to the ground.

"Shut up!" Guy shouts. Ghislaine gently pushes Isabella towards the door before she and Malcolm go to separate the boys.

"Guy, no!" She calmly told him as Ghislaine pulls Guy off and pushes him into the wall.

"It is a good thing your father is not here to see this. He would be ashamed of your behavior." Ghislaine told him firmly as Robin stands by his father, his head hanging in shame. Guy pushes his mother away and walks out the tunnel, pushing Robin aside as well, not wanting to look upon her disappointed face.

"Hey!" Robin protested.

"Robin, no more! Imagine you had lost what he has lost! Go and find him, make your apologies. Go!" Malcolm demands frustrated with his sons behavior as Robin scampers off to obey his father's wishes as he passes Longthorn arriving.

"Lady Gisborne... Lord Malcolm.... How fortuitous to find you both together. Have you told the children the good news?" Longthorn smirked darkly knowing he had leverage over them both and he planned to make the most of it as Ghislaine's face falls.

"What?"

"Do you think they'll want a little brother or a sister?" Longthorn spoke rubbing it in a bit more as Ghislaine stares at Longthorn whilst Malcolm pushes him into the wall.

"You've been spying on us?" He hissed warningly as his temper began to flare.

"I've been looking for an opportunity to get what I deserve: lands of my own. You will give me yours, lady, unless you want everyone to know your little secret." He threatened as Malcolm threw him away as Longthorn glances at Ghislaine's stomach. Ghislaine looks fearfully at Malcolm and clutches onto his arm with a desperate plea of her eyes.

"Very well. Go to Nottingham, have the deeds drawn up." Malcolm informed him calmly already having a plan forming in his head as the smirk widened on longthorn's face.

"Thank you, my lord." Longthorn smirked with glee at the thought of winning before he nodded his head and left in a rush.

"Malcolm, the lands have to pass to Guy." Ghislaine declared grasping hold of his shirt desperately. She refused her son to be denied his birth rite because of her own mistake of falling in love with Malcolm of Locksley.

"And they will. On Saturday, we shall be married. Your lands will become mine and Longthorn's deeds will be worthless." Malcolm promised her with a slight smile knowing his plan would work.

"Saturday? The children have just lost their father." She gasped shocked at how soon he was ready to commit to her.

"But we must marry soon." Malcolm informed her.