Robin and the gang awoke the next morning. They had made it back to the forest and made a new camp. First thing on Robin's list was to visit Knighton Hall. He had to see Marian. He wanted desperately to talk to her after the aborted wedding and their kiss. After breakfast, the gang walked together to Knighton.
As they approached, they smelled charred wood and smoke. They stopped at the edge of the forest to look around before showing themselves. What they saw struck fear and horror in their hearts. Edward and Marian's home was nothing but a smoldering pile of rubble. Neither Edward nor Marian was seen. Robin saw some of the serfs still pouring buckets of water on the pile trying to ensure the fire was out.
After looking around carefully, the gang walked out to speak to the serfs. Much and Robin approached first.
" Edward and Marian? ", asked Robin.
One of the older serfs pointed to the barn. Robin walked quickly in that direction. He sighed in relief when he saw a young lady tending to Edward. He sat on a bale of straw. His clothing was black with smoke and he was dirty. Robin could see he had a bandage on his head.
" Edward. Are you all right? "
Edward looked up and Robin noted the defeated look he had upon his face.
" Robin. "
" Marian? ", asked Robin timidly.
Edward shook his head. Robin thought the worst.
" No. It cannot be. ", Robin cried.
Edward again looked up. He saw the look of horror on Robin's face. He tried to stand, but was weakened and sat back down. Robin went to him and kneeled on the ground.
" Edward, was Marian…? ". Robin could not voice the rest of the question.
Edward placed his hand on Robin's shoulder. " She was not in there, Robin. "
" What happened? Where is she? "
" Sir Guy came last night. She was arrested. "
" Why? ", Robin asked incredulously.
" The charge was assaulting a soldier for punching Sir Guy when she left the wedding. "
" And the fire? "
" His guards started the fire. An attempt to get rid of me, and her home, I suspect. I am sure she believes I am dead.
" Edward, I will get her back. "
Robin got up, marched outside and yelled, " Little John….".