- Chapter 91 -

We'd been riding along York road until we stopped before the clearing of the woods to see a tollhouse up ahead where Lipscomb is opening the gate for a patron.

"Tollhouse." Guy muttered as I looked over his shoulder to get a good view of the amount of guards guarding it, only to notice that there aren't any. Chewing my bottom lip I shake my head and look at both Robin and Guy.

"It's not worth the risk." I inform them as I could see Robin was about to agree with me as we watch Lipscomb close the gate whilst Guy smirked at me over his shoulder. That loving smirk that makes my heart stop as he chuckled deeply.

"Well, they collect money for Isabella. Robbing them is robbing her." He chuckled as Robin says nothing whilst Guy clicks our horse forward. Looking back at Robin I wonder why he doesn't do anything as he follows against his better judgment. I knew this plan would only lead to trouble as I remained outside with the horses whilst Guy and Robin were inside to steal from Lipscomb.

They were probably only gone for a few minutes before they came out the front door with a purse full of silver coins. Robin and Guy quickly mounted before we continued on our way to York. I noticed that Lipscomb had bravely turns to look at the robbers with narrowed eyes, his scar purple from unexpressed indignation, if he recognized us and informed Isabella then we would be in serious trouble.

The rest of the ride to York was silent as we galloped through the gates. I noticed the odd looks I was getting from the female population of York as I looked down at my attire and chuckled, however it made Guy and Robin uneasy.

"Why are they staring at us? Do you think they recognize us?" Robin muttered.

"They are staring at me" I whisper as they both look at me as though I had grown two heads. Noticing a nobleman walk past us, I quickly slipped off the horse behind Guy as he went to call my name as I gave them both a quick wink. Following after him I easily snitched his purse and bought myself a lovely deep purple gown.

Finding a secluded spot I quickly changed and admired the soft fabric against my skin as I smiled allowing my hair to fall down my shoulders. It had been months since I had been able to dress, as a lady and I never knew I could miss it this much. I quickly found my way back to Robin and Guy who had dismounted their horses where I left them.

"My Lady" Robin teased bowing as I stuck out my tongue at him. I felt like a lady I was again as Guy was just staring at me causing me to blush and play with my hair a little bit. Robin chuckled beside us and offered his arm when Guy didn't do so, so I accepted and walked along beside him.

As we walked further through the markets we were able to inspect the castle only to realize that the castle is at least twice the size of Nottingham's.

"He's inside that." Guy spoke as I could hear the defeat and how disheartened he was at the site of the huge castle we'd have to go through to find him.

"Well, it can't be that difficult... can it?" Robin cheerfully smiled as he lead the horses with me on his arm, causing Guy to follow quietly. I constantly kept glancing over my shoulder to see him though he seemed more interested in the ground in front of him. Buying two rooms at the York Tavern we left our horses behind and wound our way through the busy and narrow marketplace on foot, looking around.

Noticing a small gate to the left we drew closer as Guy peeks out at the guards, then quickly ducks back as Robin and I take a more cautious look. There are three guards covering two exits whilst a church bell tolls in the background.

"The place is heavily fortified." I sigh as we quickly make our way away from the gate as one of the guards was walking in our direction.

"I know. I think the only way in is to get invited." Robin sighed as we began to walk back towards the Tavern to think of a new plan.

"Even if we are, how do we get into the dungeon?" Guy questioned as I felt my foot catch on something causing me to trip. Luckily Guy was in front of me as I held onto him until I had regained my balance. He slowly took my hand and placed it in the crook of his elbow as we made our way back to the Tavern in silence.

Robin found us a table in the back in the corner whilst I was able to get us each a plate of bread with cheese and meat. We sat with our backs to the wall eating and drinking slowly from our cups trying to figure out how we would get in and out of the castle. A castle none of us knew very well. I had only been there twice from when I was with the Prince but even then it wasn't enough.

"So we've got two fairly difficult problems. One, we don't know what he looks like." Guy spoke as he leant back in his chair beside me and placed a bit of chicken in his mouth whilst Robin swallows his ale.

"We'll recognise him by his birthmark. Don't worry, we'll find him when we get there." Robin spoke encouragingly whilst Guy gives him a dark look.

"Which brings us to problem two." Guy stated as he slipped his hand into mine under the table and rested our entwined figures on his knee. I glance at him as he doesn't look at him but he gives my hand an encouraging squeeze.

"Enough! That's it!" A drunk shouted as Robin pulls back whilst I literally tumble into Guy's lap to avoid being hit by a flying chair. Guy's arm immediately secured around my waist as my arms wrapped around his neck as irritation flooded our faces.

"Oi!" We all cried out as we grab our cups from the table and stand up as two wrestling men fall into the table in front of our, knocking it over. Guy settled me on my feet before he steps around our table, picks up one of the men and punches him with his cup as a roast chicken soars past his head. Robin punches the other man with his cup as he is getting up. Ducking behind the overturned table as the fight continues among the other patrons. Food, cups and plates are thrown indiscriminately.

"I think I have a — I have a plan." Robin spoke as we all ducked again when a cup flew over our heads.

"I'm listening." Guy answered his palm resting on my lower back as Robin shields his face with his hands as a man is pushed past him into post.

"You, er... you get arrested...... get taken to the dungeons, find Archer and then... Esme and I'll bribe the guards and come and see you." Robin spoke as he ducks another cup as Guy makes a face indicating he already dislikes this plan already. Even I felt uncomfortable with this plan as I felt myself lean closer into Guy slightly.

"And then what?" I demanded.

"And then we escape!" Robin informed as we both looked at him with narrowed eyes.

"How?" Guy demanded.

"Well, I don't know. I haven't worked that out yet, have I?" Robin huffed at us in annoyance at the fact we kept pointing out the faults in his plan as the sheriff 's guards enter to break up the fight and arrest the troublemakers. Standing up once it was safe we flipped our table back upright and sat down to continue our discussion.

"Forget it. It'll never work." Guy shook his head.

"Why not?" Robin demanded.

"Because I'm not going to get myself arrested." Guy snapped back as I rubbed my hands over his in a soothing pattern as he let out a long breath.

"Why not?" Robin growled back.

"'Cause you'll leave me in the dungeon." Guy growled defensively as he sets his cup firmly on the table.

"I will not leave you in the dungeons. You have my word." I promise him as he finally looks at me with a soft smile.

"It's him I don't trust" He informed as his face turned cold towards Robin.

"Well, all right. Well, I'll get myself arrested then." Robin offered flustered as Guy raised an eyebrow smirking slightly.

"Now that sounds like a better plan." Guy chuckled.

"And you come and get me out." Robin informed us as I chewed my bottom lip realizing that this plan would never work if these two didn't start to trust each other. I glanced at Guy as he tilts his head and gives Robin a "would I?" look. Robin chuckles with a sneer, realizing their dilemma.

"See, suddenly it's not such a good idea, is it?" Guy chuckled and took another mouthful of ale.

"I could get arrested" I offered quietly as I knew it wouldn't be a good idea.

"NO!" They both hiss towards me as I sigh and rub the side of my face. This was getting us nowhere.

"You know, I'm not sure if I trust you yet. But we're about to find out." Robin spoke as we frowned at him before we watched as Robin picks up a loaf of bread from their table and throws it at a guard, hitting him in the helmet. Guy and I were shocked as I covered my mouth to preven the gasp from escaping as I noticed Guy recovers quickly from the shock, smiles and pats Robin's shoulder.

"Good luck." He flatly spoke to Robin as I narrow my eyes up at Robin as Guy walks round the table with the intent of going to our room, smiling at the thought of Robin being arrested.

"Do you think that's funny? Right." The soldier spoke as they grabbed him and started to drag him away. My instinct kicked in as I went to run after him however Robin held me back.

"Get off me! Get off me!" Guy cried out as he looks over towards us for help as I feel my heart stop slightly when I noticed that Robin smiles in delight at the unintentional arrest of Guy.

"GUY!" I cried out as Robin held me tightly by his side.

"Get off me! ESME!"