Kate found this book and brought it to me. I have read it, and taken it as Guy might have wanted: in the spirit of the confessional. It is certainly an enlightening document, if at times confused, wrathful, drunken, and self-deluding. Archer told me of their final fight in the tunnel under the castle, but I think there is much we will never know about Robin Hood and Guy of Gisborne.
Sadly, his efforts were in vain: Isabella had poisoned her dagger, and in the struggle, managed to graze Robin. It was a mere scratch, but sufficient to be fatal. When they realised that both Guy and Robin would die, Isabella and the Sheriff were overjoyed. They fled to rejoin their army and enter the castle. As Death's icy grip closed around him, Guy spoke of a hidden cellar where the people could hide as the soldiers passed, and thereafter escape to safety. Then he bade farewell to Archer, the brother they had so recently found, who would now lose them both. In Robin's arms, Guy breathed his last.
Robin survived long enough to lead the people safely out of the castle. His final arrow flew unerringly through a window of the Great Hall, and lit the barrels of Byzantine Fire we had created and stockpiled there. I am sure there has never been an explosion like it in all England. Nottingham Castle fell, obliterating the Sheriff, Isabella, and all their men. The people are freed from their tyranny at last! With his final strength, Robin retreated into Sherwood, wishing to die alone. His friends are heavy with grief, but his spirit is now with Marian.
Guy had some evil deeds to his name, it is true, and we cannot undo the past, nor should we forget those whose lives he darkened. But we also remember that he died bravely, in the selfless protection of others. We, the outlaws who came to know him, will honour the good he has done. I pray that God has mercy on his soul.
