16Marian and Edward had arrived home. It had been such an exhausting day. She changed out of her wedding gown and into a more comfortable dress. She and Edward sat down for a late evening meal. They ate mostly in silence. Edward finally broke the silence and asked of the events that led to the wedding being stopped.
" Marian, I know you probably do not wish to dwell, but please tell me what happened this afternoon. "
She smiled and said, " Much happened, Father. He came across the king and his entourage. He noticed that the king was an imposter. He came to the church to stop me from making a huge mistake. "
" I must remember to thank him the next time we see him. "
Marian just smiled and agreed. She got up from the table to clear the dishes when they heard the sound of horses approaching. The riders stopped out front and pounded on the door. Edward opened the door and Gisbourne pushed his way in. Edward, Marian, I am here to take you to Nottingham. "
" Why? ", inquired Marian.
" You are under arrest. "
" Pardon? What are my charges? "
" Assaulting a soldier. "
" Excuse me? I assaulted no soldier. "
" You did when you hit me at the alter. There are witnesses. ", added Guy.
" Surely you are not serious? ", she asked surprised.
" The sheriff insists you have committed assault and there are consequences. "
Edward stepped in. " Sir Guy, I am sure there must be some other way to settle this. "
" Edward, stay out of this or I will arrest you as well. "
" You cannot! ", shouted Marian.
" Come peacefully, Marian. "
" May I go gather some things? "
" No. Let's go. "
Edward again tried to intervene. Guy pushed him backwards. He stumbled and fell. As he did, he hit his head. Marian started to go to him, but Guy grabbed her arm. He forced her out the door. As she protested, the guards with him dropped torches on the floor. They all mounted their horses and rode off. Marian screamed after her father as they rode away. As she looked back, all she could see were flames.