Free Robyn Hood: Fight For Freedom by K. M. Shea

wooden door, opened it, and pushed me in before shutting it behind her. “We can talk freely here. This is just an extra storage room. No one comes this way.”
    “How reassuring,” I muttered , glancing around the dust filled room. All that was in it were crates, barrels, and some rolled up rugs.
    Marian frowned. “My room is positively flocked with babbling ladies maids. We could never talk there. You’re just lucky I was able to pull myself away without being noticed.”
    “Why the extra security?” I asked, plopping down on a dusty crate. “Did they catch you yesterday morning?”
    “No, worse. Prince John has been making noises that Sir Guy of Gisborne is in need of a wife,” Marian sighed.
    “So?” I shrugged.
    “I’m the perfect candidate for that unlucky position ,” Marian said as she started to pace. “Father and Mother are extremely upset that I’m blatantly supporting you. It’s hurting their standing with Prince John, that’s why marrying me off to one of his favorite knights would solidify the relationship. The only reason Father didn’t immediately agree is because he’s not yet completely under my mother’s thumb, who is all for it, and because Sir Guy is drop dead broke.”
    “But Prince John isn’t go ing to be our ruler for forever. You’ll be sunk when King Richard returns,” I objected.
    “I know , but the talk is that King Richard isn’t going to return. Face it Robyn, you and the Merry Men are the only ones who are seriously raising money to free him. Even his own supporters, like my father, don’t dare move with Prince John breathing down their necks.”
    “We’ll get the ransom. And I won’t let them marry you off to Sir Guy,” I vowed before groaning as I recalled that particular knight. “Of course he has to be the only competent knight Prince John’s brought with him. Otherwise I could just challenge him to a duel and off him, but I’m not willing to take that chance with Sir Guy,” I said, sucking on my lip.
    “Don’t worry about it. I’ve decided, I’m coming back to Sherwood with you,” Marian shrugged, stopping in front of my crate.
    “No you aren’t Marian,” I sharply said.
    “Yes I am, Robyn! You don’t get how horrible this is!” Marian snarled, reaching out to shake my shoulders.
    “Bear with it Marian. You are our only source of information in such a high level of nobility. We need you here. I’ll go back to Sherwood and talk things over with the Merry Men. We’ll calculate how much more we need to free King Richard and figure out something to end this Sir Guy business. You can expect my return in two or three days,” I said, standing up.
    Marian backed away as I brushed off dust off my dress. “You promise?” she sulked.
    “Promise. I’ll come up with a plan Marian,” I said, meeting her gaze with my own sharp, brown eyes. “You’re a part of my company too. I won’t throw you to the dogs.”
    “Whenever did you grow to become so heroic?” Marian sighed, reaching out to hug me.
    “You have no one but yourself to blame for that one. This is your Outlaw Dream. You made me into Robin Hood,” I winked.
    “I did, didn’t I?” Marian wondered, her forehead wrinkling.
    “Come now, you had better get back before your cackling guard hens realize you’ve flown the coup,” I said, starting for the door.
    “The same goes for you. How on earth did you procure Much’s permission to leave the camp.”
    “I did a lot of swindling,” I said, opening the door.
    “I bet,” Marian snorted behind me.
     
     
     
    Within two hours I was back a t my camp in Sherwood, trading the dress for my more desirable lincoln green uniform.
    “W hat did Marian have to say?” Much asked, waiting for me outside my hut.
    “Nothing good, that is for certain,” I called through the door, straightening my green hose before grabbing my pheasant feather cap, placing it on my head. I threw the door open with a bang. “She wants to come live with us in