All Along the Watchtower 17/?

[Goldberry]

Hello everyone! Just some quick news before we get right to the story. For you Duo & Hilde lovers out there, I have written a seperate chapter dealing with that couple that is meant to be read before this chapter. However, having said this, you do <i>not</i> have to go read it to understand the rest of this series. It's a completely seperate scene for those that would like to see a little more of Duo & Hilde's realtionship. If you want to read it, you can find it in the Believe Your Love Showcase <a href="http://www.blissfulignorance.com/phpBB/ ... &">here</a>.

For those that would rather just get straight to Heero & Relena, please continue on to the story.




Trowa leaned against the wooden railing of the watchtower, his bow propped against the trunk of the tree within easy reach. He kept his sharp eyes on the night-cloaked forest, listening for anything that might be out of place. From time to time he would glance to his right to a second watchtower he knew was there but could not see. There were two more just like it to the rear of the camp also, each equipped with a burning torch in case they needed to signal for help. All the watchmen had orders to light their towers if the camp came under attack. It was simple self-preservation but Trowa hoped it would never be necessary. If Heero?s plan worked, they would leave this forest city and go back to their homes with the simple knowledge that they were free again. Trowa did not want to think of what he would do if it did not.

A sound below him caught his attention and he looked down through leafy branches to the small campfire between the two front watchtowers. He had seen Hilde there earlier when he had started his shift but it seemed Duo had joined her. The two were talking, their expressions hidden by shadow but it was clear all was well when Duo suddenly leaned forward and kissed Hilde full on the mouth. Trowa?s eyebrows rose, especially when he noticed that the monk had his shirt off. It shouldn?t have been a surprise really, Duo had never taken the official vows of a monk, and it was clear from the man?s anger at Hilde?s revelation that he liked the tiny outlaw. Maybe now Duo would stop sulking and give them all some peace.

Trowa turned quickly as a small movement caught the corner of his eye, the waving of a single leaf where there was no wind. He reached for his bow as it came again, closer to the camp. He had already nocked a warning arrow by the time he realized it was Heero returning from Duo?s cabin, and he was carrying something?

He fired two warning arrows in rapid succession into the ground at the base of the watchtower and watched with satisfaction as Duo and Hilde jumped apart.

?Heero?s coming,? he called and began his descent from the tower as the pair turned to look for the outlaw leader. Heero materialized from the darkness, a bulky bundle in his arms. He had left hours ago to check on Quatre since the minstrel had not returned from his run to the cottage for more medical supplies. The fact that Heero now returned without him spoke of trouble.

Trowa bypassed the last few rungs of the rope ladder to land nimbly on the ground, slinging his bow over his shoulder as he joined Duo and Hilde. Without a word, Heero laid his burden on the ground and unwrapped the cloth, which Trowa absently saw was the cloak Heero had been wearing when he set out. Inside of it were various pieces of smooth wood and odd strings, some of the shards strangely curved. Hilde gasped and Duo stiffened.

It was Quatre?s harp.

?I found it on the floor of the cottage,? Heero said flatly. Without Relena, the outlaw had grown noticeably colder, more inwardly focused. ?There was blood on the floor and signs of an ambush. I can only guess that the Sheriff has found Duo?s hideaway at last.?

The monk nodded grimly, ?And now he?s taken Quatre in hopes of learning where our main camp is.?

Hilde moved restlessly. ?But he won?t tell them. He wouldn?t betray us.? When the three men didn?t say a word, she looked up at Duo beseechingly. ?Quatre wouldn?t, would he??

?There are many ways to break a man,? Heero said after a moment, his voice emotionless as if he were simply stating that the wind was a bit cool tonight. ?The Sheriff knows them all. We can not count on Quatre?s silence.? He bent down and folded up the cloak again but Trowa noticed his movements were more gentle than normal. Heero handed the broken harp to him and Trowa took it from him quietly. Quatre would be wanting it when he came back.

?What should we do?? Duo asked, frowning. ?If the Sheriff finds out about this place??

?He won?t,? Heero answered. Hilde gave him a worried look.

?How do you know??

Heero?s eyes reflected no light.

?Because I?m going to destroy him.?

* * * *

?I do not like being summoned, Sheriff,? Relena said coolly, adjusting her skirts. She was sitting in one of the welcome rooms of Nottingham castle feeling anything but welcome. The Sheriff of Nottingham stood across from her, barely paying attention, his gaze fixed on the slim dagger he held in his hands. From time to time he would flip the blade over, watching the light play off the polished steel. He seemed very calm in the face of her barely concealed anger.

She did not like being alone with him. If it had been any other lady but her, the very situation would have been scandalous, but since her reputation was beyond repair anyway, what did it matter? The courteous soldier, Treize, had conducted her to this room with all civility but then had begged duties elsewhere. The look he had thrown at his superior as he left had been anything but subservient and Relena wondered if Treize was the key to getting her out of the castle unharmed. For she was sure that without a plan, she would not be leaving at all.

?Indeed, I do not like summoning you, lady, but I?m afraid this is a matter of importance, as you will agree.? William answered almost absently. Relena sat stiffly in her chair.

?Pray, my lord Sheriff, would this matter have anything to do with my brother? You must know that King Richard does not look kindly on those that imprison his family,? she said icily, trying for the tone she had heard Heero use often enough. It seemed to fall flat, for the Sheriff only smirked.

?I have no need to imprison the Lord of Peacecraft. In fact, I am offended that you would even think it of me. He and his lady wife are guests here, as are you, until I am convinced that Peacecraft Manor is safe for those of your noble blood.?

Relena frowned. ?Safe from what, Sheriff??

?Why, from the Sherwood bandits, my lady.? He smiled at her stunned look. ?Do you not remember? I found the leader of that rabble in your very bedchamber, and let us not forget he concocted your kidnapping from the Faire. It is clear he has an interest in you and I would not have you come to harm if I can help it.?

Relena was almost speechless. Almost. ?Sir,? she said rigidly, ?I care nothing for your concern and I?m sure my brother would agree with me when I say that we have always taken care of ourselves. Your supposed ?safety? is nothing but an inconvenience.? She stood suddenly, feeling restless and confined and very alone in the dim room. ?I would you release my brother and his wife so that we may return to Peacecraft with none of your ?protection?. ?

She had his attention now. William straightened from his slouch against the wall and watched her with cold eyes as he slipped his dagger into its sheath at his waist. He took a step forward and it took all of Relena?s courage to keep from stepping back. She held her ground tremblingly as he came to stand mere inches from her, his face like granite.

?I?m afraid you don?t have a choice,? he said softly, and then he was backing away towards the door, shutting it with a resounding slam, the sound of the lock turning on the other side. It took a moment for this to register but when it did, Relena flew across the room and to the door, pulling on the knob with all her strength before resorting to pounding one fist against the aged wood.

?Let me out! Sheriff! You can?t do this! Let me out!?

His voice, cool and calm drifted through the wood. ?Take your ease, my lady. You will be safe enough here. Once the thief-prince of Sherwood is dead, you will be free to go, along with your brother. Until then, enjoy your stay in Nottingham Castle.? She heard his footsteps echo down the hall and she pounded once more on the door, ignoring the bruises that would later mar her skin. How could he do this?

Heero.

He was going to kill Heero.

But he couldn?t, she thought numbly. He didn?t know where the camp was.

Did he?

She needed to get out. To be free. She had to warn Heero.

And as if his name would summon him, she leaned against the door and called for him with her all strength.

?Heero!?

* * * *

He heard the door open and could not help the flinch that jerked his whole body. The sound heralded pain and darkness and his blood on the already stained floor. Unable to move, he lay flat out on his back, his face turned away from his new torturer that stood near the door. He was grateful for the blood that matted his bright hair and made a flaky crust down the side of his face, keeping one eye closed. It spared him from seeing the blows. Unfortunately, even though he didn?t see them come, his body bore the marks of them. Breath whistled out of bruised lungs restrained by cracked ribs. He could feel nothing at all in his left arm and he knew it had been dislocated. Either that or it was completely hewn away. He couldn?t bring himself to look.

He was beaten surely, but not broken. Not yet. The words had not left his mouth, not even during the worse of his screams. He would die before he gave them what they wanted.

The figure in the door moved towards him, softer steps than Gisbourne?s. For a moment he was confused. Surely it was time for him to die. His body was already failing. Another beating like the last and he would not wake up from the inevitable blackness. If they could not get what they wanted, why keep him alive? After all, he had slept with the Sheriff?s daughter.

?Kill me,? he whispered hoarsely out of lips dry and cracked with blood. He kept his eyes closed, wishing only for the pain to begin so that it would be over. ?Kill me. I will never tell you. Kill me.?

Disjointedly, images flashed through his tired mind and he wondered only briefly if death had come for him at last. It would surely be a blessing.

Relena throwing herself at Wufei at the banquet to save Heero.

Hilde tackling him outside of Duo?s cottage. He had known from the beginning that she was a girl. Who could look in her dark eyes and not see it?

The small glen in Sherwood forest, bustling with people given a renewed sense of hope.

His harp lying broken on the floor.

Even now, he still felt an ache in his heart when he thought of that.

?Kill me.?

?I came to look for the man that once did me a kindness that can never be repaid. He had such gentleness in his gaze and his caress was like the kiss of feathers. He was the strongest man I have ever met.? The high feminine voice deepened. ?And I think he still is.?

Shocked, Quatre struggled to open his eyes, to see the woman he knew stood so close to him. Hazily, her image came to him and he forced more words out of his parched throat.

?Kill me, Dorothy.?

She flinched and he felt no remorse for hurting her. She had taken away his life once before, she could do it again just as easily and this time he wouldn?t mourn the loss of it.

?If you have any decency left in you, kill me. God will not punish you for it.?

?<i>Because</i> I still have some shred of decency left, I will <i>not</i> kill you,? she hissed at him, kneeling beside his torn body. Despite her snarled words, the hand she placed on his forehead was soft and gentle. ?If you still had any wits left, you would know that I?ve come to free you, not murder you.?

He coughed raggedly as she slipped a hand under his shoulder and lifted his head to pillow it in her lap, the soft folds of her dress brushing against his face. ?Why?? he managed to ask as her hands steadied his head.

?I already told you,? she answered quietly. ?You once did something kind for me.?

?Your father,? he said weakly, trying to focus unwilling blue-green eyes on her face. ?You can?t do this.?

She only watched him grimly. ?Quiet, Quatre. You are in my hands now.?

He almost smiled. ?How comforting.?

* * * *

?Did you hear that??

Lucretzia stopped in the shadows of the hallway, one hand placed unconsciously over her belly as she watched her husband intently. ?What??

He frowned, gazing down the hallway. ?I thought I heard Relena.?

Lucretzia frowned, too. ?Relena? De Grey did say he was going to bring her here.? <i>And she might not be lucky enough to escape as we did.</i>

Using Lu?s delicate condition, she and Zechs had contrived to convince their guards that she was having a miscarriage, something that had been a very real terror in her mind. As soon as the two soldiers had entered the room, Zechs had attacked from behind, using the first man?s lance to take out the second. It had been bloody, but Zech?s anger had been justified and they were free. Now, as they struggled to find their way through the castle?s labyrinth of hallways, Lu wondered if her husband?s sister was not also confined as they had been. If so, they would have to find her.

?I think she was calling for someone,? he murmured, turning his head to the left. They were standing at a crossing of corridors, having no idea which way might lead them out. Lu placed a hand on her husband?s arm.

?Which way?? she asked.

He lifted his hand and pointed down the left passageway. ?This way.?

* * * *

As night fell and clouds gathered to cover the moon, a lone figure stood within the trees of Sherwood, casting its baleful glare at the darkness without.

?Come to me, Heero of Sherwood. Come to me and let us end it.?

And the end <i>would</i> come, in a way none of them would suspect.


<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Goldberry on 2002-08-06 07:25 ]</font>

[Tomorrow]

No!!!! You can't just end this chapter there! How evil of you!!!!!! ^_~

Okay, <i>now</i> the final showdown has begun, and I <i>hope</i> everyone (well, the good guys mainly) makes it out in one piece--specifically our favorite couple and their comrades.

For some reason, your words really drew me in this chapter (not that your stories aren't always wonderful, but this chapter had some special... spark to it that I can't really explain). It was an awesome feeling.

Well, another great chapter, and I can't wait for the conclusion... wait, that means the story's over, though. I don't want that either. I'm so confused on what I want: a conclusion, or a never-ending story. ^_^

[Hitomi Lei]

OMG...I tingle from all that was writen here...and I think I'll cry when this ends, even if the endings happy, becasue i'm going to miss it so much!!

[Darkwing]

WOW Berry!
I always feel so entyusiast when I end to read a chapter of your story!
You wrote another great chapter and, as usual, you put a lot of suspence in it.
WOW! I love this fiction! What is going to happen now? I'm so impatient for the next chapter!
Excellent work! Thanks for sharing! ^_^

[Misato]

This evil Sherrif, I hope Heero kicks his @$$...

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Misato on 2002-08-07 16:40 ]</font>

[Tsukiyo]

GOLDBERRY!! YOU'RE TERRIBLE!!!!! HOW COULD YOU JUST STOP IT! ACKKK!!!!!! FINISH THE STORY!!!!!!!!!
I'm sorry, but i just finished watching Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, and naturally the entire movie I was really only thinking about your story (and Robin Hood: Men in Tights, but what can I say, it's hilarious. if you haven't seen it do so now). I find it extremely irksome that while Robin and Marian are now married, HEERO AND RELENA ARE NOT.
I have nothing left to comment on. The story is great...but it's so painful you leaving me hanging right now....Oh but that Duo and Hilde thing that Trowa witnessed, that was a nice touch!
POST THE END NOW!!!!

-Tsukiyo

[Sai Hikaru]

so wuts gonna happen nxt?!?!??!!? plz hurri wif da nxt chpt realli want to no!!!

[Raheedeken Saoyumira]

Ooohh... that was cool Zechs!!! *applauds* I wonder what will Hee-chan do now that Relena's under the Sheriff's 'protection'? *eagerly awaits with a glare at the Sheriff* Way to go, Goldberry!!!