NWTT 10

The Sheriff once again made the announcement that Marian was to hang. The news had reached the gang. Robin paced back and forth thinking up a plan. He knew this could be another trap. But then it may be the real thing, they may hang Marian. Robin turned to the gang who were all watching him closely. He began explaining what he had come up with. They all nodded once they understood and began getting ready to leave for Nottingham, and this time they were ready. For all traps.

Marian was once again sat in her cell awaiting the guard that would for the second time lead her to the gallows. However, this time it was different. This time it was real. She would not find herself back in her cell in mere hours. She would not see the green trees of Sherwood or the taste Much's awful cooking again. To soon the dungeon echoed with the rattling of keys opening the dungeon door, followed by the bang of metal boots banging against the stone steps.

Marian sighed as she stood and walked over slowly to the cell door. She waited as the guard walked down the steps towards her.

'Cheer up will ya.'

Marian's head shot up to see the two grinning faces of Allan and Will. Her heart fluttered once more with hope.

'What are you two doing here?' She gasped.

'Well we were going to leave ya but Robin wouldn't let us.' Allan smirked earning him a nudge in the ribs from Marian.

'We think the Sheriff has another plan. Robin is out front and we need to make sure that it is indeed you that is on the gallows.' Will explained opening the cell and letting Marian walk out.

'Good idea.' Marian smiled as Allan placed the hood once more over her head and began leading her out to the gallows.

The Sheriff sat on the edge of his seat as he waited for the old Lady of Knighton to be lead to the gallows. He knew Robin was here somewhere, he would never miss the hang of the women he loved. Gisbourne sat slouched on the wooden chair, his head leaning on his hand. He wished this could hurry up and be over. Once Marian was gone, Hood would be easy to defeat, he would lose his will to fight. And this is where Gisbourne will kill him. The drums started and the Sheriff clapped happily like a child. He watched as Marian was lead hood over her head by two guards up to gallows and the rope placed around her slender neck.

Robin spied her through the crowds of people. He saw the noose be put around her neck. His heart beat heavily in his chest. He motioned to the others who moved closer, encase of any tricks the Sheriff played.

'Ladies and Gentleman.' The Sheriff bellowed standing from his balcony seat. 'You have to come to witness the hanging of the noble turned out law Marian. The once lady of Knighton.' The Sheriff finished and sat down.

The beat of the drums began. Marian's heart leapt with every beat that bounded in her ears. What if the plan didn't work. What if this was it. What if she never saw Robin again. What if she never got to kiss him or hold him, or tell him how much she loved him.

Robin breathed heavily as he raised his bow. He listened to the beat of the drums. His heart matching their pace. He was ready, ready to fire the arrow and save her. But even the sight of her on the gallows was enough to break his heart. The beat stopped and the trap door sprung. He released the arrow and watched as Marian fell to the ground. He rushed forward taking her hand as the crowd went wild with cheers.

'Marian its me.' He said as he began leading her away from the gallows. The sheriff had called guards which the rest of the gang were now occupied with. Marian smiled as she once again felt Robin's hand in hers.

'Ha! You've fallen for the same trick Hood.' The Sheriff bellowed. 'Its not your precious leper!'

'Are you sure?!' Robin called back as he pulled the hood from Marian's head. They both laughed at the shocked faces of the Sheriff and Gisbourne.

Robin tugged on Marian's hand and led her out of Nottingham as the Sheriff called for more guards.

Once back in the safety of the forest he wrapped her in his arms and kissed her passionately.

'God I missed you.' He whispered.

'I missed you to.' Marian smiled and kissed him again. 'And I am not a leper.' She scolded him as she pushed him away. Robin simply laughed and pulled her back in for another kiss.

Well that's the end. I may add more later on, but for the moment my mind is a blank.