- Chapter 98 -

Danger is brewing outside the city walls, the fire glow from the Sheriff's camp made me uneasy. Drawing my attention away from the window I smiled at Guy who was lying on the bed, without a shred of clothing.

"Come back to bed Esme" He whispered as I smiled before returning to my husbands side. I felt like my body was on fire when his body pressed against mine. The gang had been kind enough to ensure we could have the evening alone together as newlyweds and it has been one of the best nights of my life. Snuggling deeper into his embrace Guy brushed my hair out of the way to pepper my body with kisses.

"If I had my way you'd never leave this bed again" He whispered huskily as he gently rolled so that he was hovering over me. I let my fingers play in his hair before pulling him down for a desperate kiss. I couldn't get enough of Guy and as his fingers continued to explore my body again I was glad he felt the same. Suddenly hearing commotion over the ear and explosions in the distance we pulled apart. Dashing back to the window I could see in the distance the Sheriff's camp going up in flames.

"He was never going to wait till morning. What's going on?" I muttered as Guy came and stood behind me watching it all unfold.

"They did it" He whispered causing me to frown.

"Did what? Guy?" I turned staring up at him.

"Robin and a small number of men went to go and attack the camp" He told me causing my eyes to widen.

"Idiot, but I must admit it's bought us some time"

"Promise me something"

"Anything" I whisper in response.

"Promise you will stay safe and as far from danger tomorrow" He begs as I sigh heavily.

"Guy" I sigh but he shakes his head and reaches for the two goblets of wine before handing one to me. I lift the drink to my lip but once the liquid touches my tongue, it tasted funny. Not causing any alarm as I could see Guy watching me, not touching his goblet, I slowly and quiet spit the contents from my mouth back into the goblet. Pretending to swallow I place the goblet down. Whatever it was that was in the goblet was too strong to go undetected in taste, but it was enough that even a mouthful made me grow dizzy.

"Guy, what have you done" I slur before I see him triple in my vision before it all goes black. I awoke to the sound of battle going on outside. I felt dizzy at first but my senses soon snapped into attention. Reaching for my clothes and sword I tied my hair away from my face before I bolted down towards the castle courtyard.

"Barricade the portcullis!" Robin shouted as I saw the Sheriff's army pulling away from the castle gate.

"What happened!" I shout gaining everyone's attention.

"They've taken the city, Esme the King isn't coming" Robin warned as I frowned and began to grow concerned. Without reinforcements we had no hope.

"What do you mean he isn't coming" I ask quickly.

"He's been captured by Leopold of Austria and they want two hundred and fifty thousand crowns. The troops at Loughborough won't fight unless Richard leads them." Robin informed as I saw Guy hovering in the background looking like a child whose been caught with his hand in the cookie jar. I was fuming with him and I knew I would have to deal with him later. Glancing around I could see the men were exhausted as one old man sits down for a rest. A few of the others gathered the injured and carried them into the great hall. Sighing I prayed to God for a miracle, otherwise we were doomed.

As we waited I made my way into the great hall to see if I could be of any help to Tuck who had created a working station in the middle of the hall. He was experimenting with oil and other ingredients trying to make Byzantine fire.

"Any luck?" I ask as he shakes his head and continues to work. Deciding it's best not to disturb him I head back outside. As the gang and peasants do what they can to prepare for the next assault, Robin rests his head on his folded arms on the side of the overturned wagon. His face is solemn, knowing our situation is hopeless.

"The people need you, Robin. Talk to them. Robin?" I whisper placing a hand on his shoulder but he continues to remain silent. This is the time that Robin needs to be the leader and encourage his men. If it doesn't come from him then they won't stand. Slowly I watch as he climbs the stairs and pauses at the top looking down at the few remaining men we have left.

"Loyal comrades... you know the situation. And you know that we are on our own. Now we have already lost friends and loved ones. But England will lose far more if we do not make a stand this day. And yes, some of us may fall, but our fight will live on. In the minds of those that despise injustice, in the hearts of those that cherish freedom, you are the soul of England standing firm against tyranny for a real future. Now ask yourself, is that not something worth fighting for?! Together... for England!" He draws his sword to hold it high as the men follow, raising their swords and fits in the air and cheering.

"They're coming!" Archer warns as he stood near the gate.

"Archers! Archers!"

The soldiers march down the street and start pushing the battering ram forward from where it was left. Robin and the villagers let arrows fly. More arrows whiz past them some meeting their mark and causing soldier to fall, others bouncing off shields. The only problem was more soldiers just replaced the ones we kill. From the battlements Kate drops a rock onto a soldier climbing up a ladder towards her. I noticed Robin run into the great hall to see if Tuck has a solution as the soldier's breach through the portcullis.

"Kate! Get Robin!" I order as I hold my sword in one hand and a dagger in the other. I wasn't sure where Guy was but I knew I had to stay focused. Blocking a swing from a solider I used my dagger to slash across his belly causing him to groan and fall to the floor. We were going to be overrun if we didn't do something fast.

"Much! Pull back! John! Abandon the battlements! Get everyone in the hall!" I could hear Robin shout as I helped defend the men and kill of the enemy as they tried to get closer before I ran after them into the great hall. I was the last one to enter as I helped the men barricade the door behind me. I took a second to catch my breath and I gazed down at everyone scrambling in the hall and I began to panic, as I couldn't find guy.

"Robin! Where is Guy?" I shout as he turns on his heels in a full circle.

"Robin! The tunnel! Isabella has just cleared it. Gisborne has gone after her" Archer shouted gaining out attention as he suddenly appeared from nowhere. Pushing past Archer I bolted down the tunnel where I could hear murmurs growing louder.

"Stay back, he's mine" I heard the Sheriff as I peaked around the corner to see Guy face to face with Isabella and the Sheriff's men.

"The man who tried to kill me. I MADE HIM!" The Sheriff shouted in anger as he lunged towards Guy only for Guy to punch him in the face. I watched as Isabella snuck off down another corridor as I followed her movements. Isabella was about to attack Guy from behind but before I could make myself know Robin caught her arm and neck twisting her out of the way. I saw Blamire point for two guards to come in my direction, I think to help Isabella but I was quick. Using the shadows as cover I pounced surprising them both and killing them quickly.

"Gisborne!" Archer shouted as I saw block a blow from the Sheriff. As the battle continued we quickly regrouped, the Sheriff, Isabella, Blamire and his men against Robin, Guy, Archer and I.

"How appropriate. A battle so huge should come down to the important few. A new one. Don't know you, do I?" The Sheriff chuckles as he points his sword towards Archer who smirks in response.

"He's my mother's foolish mistake. Look at us, the whole sorry family." Isabella smirks as the four of us glance together.

"Together."

The Sheriff was the first one to attack going straight for Robin. I had Blamire came straight at me as I smirked towards the arrogant man. Our blades clashed against each other as he angrily tried swiping left and then right. I merely sidestepped to avoid him, before I caught the tip of blade against my sword, spun inwards and plunged the dagger into his chest. Gasping and spluttering he dropped to his knees before I pushed him away and went to make sure Robin and Guy were safe.

Turning the corner I noticed that Robin had the Sheriff cornered on the floor with his sword to his throat. Isabella lurked in the background as I drew myself closer ready to defend. She looked like a lion ready to pounce on her prey but I could see she was too focused on Robin to realize I was creeping closer.

"This is for all the lives you've ruined...... or all the people you've killed." Robin shouted as he raised his sword above his head about to kill the Sheriff. Isabella leapt from the column charging at Robin.

"Robin!" Archer shouted pushing him out the way, causing me to stumble in my attempts to get Isabella. In a blink the Sheriff sits up and stabs Archer with all his might.

"Archer!" We cried as he over to his side groaning in pain.

"How right you are, Robin Hood." Isabella seemed smug as I watched her touch her neck in the same spot as she cut Robin and hisses loudly. Robin fingers his wound.

"It's a scratch. It's nothing!"

"No-no-no. You should be careful. I mean, this blade, it could be rusty or... or even worse." She cheered as I grew pale.

"What have you done?" I growl.

"I used poison on the blade. A few drops owing through your bloodstream..... I say you'll be dead by sundown." Isabella smiles as I feel fury burst from me. Within seconds I leaped at her taking her by surprise. Twisting her dagger from her hands, I plunged her own dagger into her thigh causing her to scream out in agony. I threw the blade across the room as she dropped to floor. She began to gasp and groan as I bent down to her face.

"I should have killed you when I had the chance back when you first arrived. I hope you suffer" I hiss at her before turning back to Robin with teary eyes.

"Oh, this is too good to be true. You've killed Robin Hood! Ah! Oh, I'll be back Robin to finish the rest of you off with an army. Please... wait for me. I don't want to miss the big moment." The Sheriff chuckled before he turns back down the tunnel. Hearing Archer gasp out I quickly knelt down and laid his head in my lap as Robin and Guy joined me.

"You have to get them out" He gasps as we nod down to him.

"Brother.... Is this the end?" Archer asks as I can feel him growing cold and weak.

"For you and me both, my friend." Robin sadly smiles as I struggle to contain my tears. With one final breath Archer smiles before his eyes close for the final time.

"Robin" I whisper as he holds me by my shoulders and tries to give me his best encouraging smile.

"Hurry we can clear the people out through the cellar. It backs onto this tunnel. We can hide our people in that tunnel until he moves his men through, and then we lead ours out. The Sheriff will take his men the easy route through the Great Hall." Guy whispers pulling me away as we make our way back to the great hall.