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the block, but all she will ever have after this.  And if you please me well, I will not cast you
down from the tower like Jezebel to join your lover in unhallowed ground.
The executioner, finally satisfied with his blade, makes one strong hacking chop. Robin
screams, the first sound he s made.
Several women in the crowd faint.
Phillip sees Will Scarlet cover his face in horror.
Marion sobs and twists out of his grip to bury her face in Bess bosom. Phillip grits his teeth
in annoyance. He ll have the old woman burned as soon as he can.
The executioner seizes the severed parts and yanks Robin s head up to show them to him. He
holds them before the man s bloody face and then tosses them into the brazier.
Phillip exceeds himself, relaxing back into his seat with a sigh of release.
The disemboweling fills the square with the stench of burning shit and he presses a
perfumed cloth to his nose.
The sword comes down, taking Robin s head with it. The executioner s assistant, a brawny
youth of about twenty, seizes it, puts it on a silver platter and delivers it to the box as the
executioner hacks the body into four pieces.
He stares down at his vanquished enemy, pleased with the day s work.
Phillip came awake from his dreaming to the sound of distant trumpets. He leaned
on the windowsill, staring over the harvesting meadows, and caught the first glimpse of
King John s retinue. Marion was not yet his and Robin still roamed Sherwood. But he
would have them both. He glanced down and found his hose were sticky from his seed,
which had spilt during his reverie. He sighed at the need to change a third time.
He felt much better and could endure anything the day brought. Even the imminent
arrival of his king. He saw the banners of the royal progress wending toward the city
gates and hastened his washing.
He sent a page running for Marion. She came down the stairs in a pale blue gown
trimmed with swan s down, looking fragile and elfin. He offered his arm and she took it
without looking at him. He felt her tremble at his touch and smiled.
 You look lovely, my dear. He laid his free hand atop hers so she could not
withdraw. She trembled again.
 Thank you, my lord. His smile widened at her soft, fearful voice. She sounded as
if she wanted to sink into the flagstones and never be lovely again. He d taught her
lovely was dangerous.
 Your uncle will be pleased to see you. Together, they walked out the gate to greet
the king.
His Grace did not ride. He was borne in a litter between four horses. Servants
walked beside him. He beckoned Nottingham to him. Phillip worried to see how old
and sick John looked. His face was gray and drawn. His hands lay on the coverlet like
dead things.
 Phillip. His voice barely raised above a whisper.
Nottingham went to his knees on the flags and kissed John s hand.  My King.
 Is this my niece? You re lovely, child.
Marion curtsied and accepted the pat of her head.  My Royal Uncle, welcome to
Nottingham.
Phillip clapped and servants came to aid the king. He dismissed Marion back to her
rooms until dinner and smiled to see her flinch when he addressed her. After that, it
was a long process but eventually King John was installed in the best bedroom of the
castle. Phillip sat at his bedside, trying to tempt him with wine and bread.
His heart ached to see his king so. John was forty-eight, old and tired. Even old
King Henry had only seen fifty-six winters. John would be fortunate to see the spring.
 Phillip, there is much to be done. Quickly.
 Rest, my liege. Eat and drink. Restore yourself. You ll grow well and strong here
on good milk and clear air. You ve exhausted yourself in war. Now take a winter s
peace.
 No time. I need an heir. Seventeen children and a French prince trying for my
throne and I need an heir. He laughed himself into a coughing fit.
Phillip offered wine and laid a hand on John s shoulder.  Does nothing go right for
us, Sire?
John sipped the wine and a little color returned to his face.  Nothing, dear
Nottingham. The French are on our shores even now. He grasped Phillip s arm.
 Phillip, you are the last. All the others are arrayed against me. Only you, my dear one.
The barons will have Louis on the throne before the end of the year if we do not act.
 What can we do? We don t have the support of anyone anymore. They all rally
around an outlaw. Although some say he is dead. He fumed at the thought, blushing
to disclose it before his king
 Marion. The princess. John sipped more wine.  They revere the name of my
brother, who bankrupted England and left me to pick up the pieces. His son is with
France. But we have the daughter. He drained the goblet and Phillip poured him more.
 She needs a husband. A loyal man. The barons will rally round her, but her husband
will be mine and hold the reins.
 Whom do you suggest?
John looked at him sharply and Phillip realized his flattery had been taken for
slowness.  You.
Phillip bowed a little.  I am honored.
 Do you love the maid? John asked.
 I am fond of her, yes. Quite fond. Phillip was surprised to find it true. He could [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]

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