Marian

By Ella Lyons

Life changes for Marian Banner when she leaves the countryside for the big city of Nottingham with her father, Sir Erik the Fortunate, and Marian doesn’t think it’s an improvement. She must trade braids and leggings for jewelry and dresses, and hunting and wandering the woods for dancing and a life at court. But into Marian’s dull new world comes someone exciting—a girl named Robin Hood who is as courageous and dedicated as she is small. Robin is determined to become a knight, and she won’t let her gender stand in her way. The two girls quickly become inseparable.

Their friendship changes as time passes and becomes something much more serious—and more magical. When Marian’s father is killed and the king takes an interest in her, she’ll need Robin to prove she’s the hero she always wanted to be.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Harmony Ink Press
• Release date: Nov 3, 2016
• ISBN: 9781634774215

Book preview

Marian

By Ella Lyons

When Marian Banner moves to the glittering city of Nottingham with her father, Sir Erik the Fortunate, her entire life changes. She is no longer allowed to run about the countryside in leggings and braids, climbing fences and shooting turkeys, but is thrust into a life of dresses and jewels and dancing lessons, none of which Marian is particularly pleased about. Her dark mood changes when she meets a tiny whip of a girl called Robin Hood. Robin is fierce and brave and wants more than anything to become a knight, regardless of her gender. Together they explore the city, becoming fast friends along the way.

As time passes, their friendship changes into something bigger and scarier and far more wonderful. But then Marian’s father is killed in service to the king, and she catches the king’s eye.

Can Robin save her one more? Or will Marian discover how to save herself?

Table of Contents

Blurb

Dedication

Acknowledgments

Part One

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Part Two: Three Years Later

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

About the Author

By Ella Lyons

Visit Harmony Ink Press

Copyright Page

For my beloved LucyKate, who gave me the magic beans out of which this story grew. And for Heather Anne, as they all are and ever will be.

Acknowledgments

TO SAY this book was raised by a village would be an understatement so profound as to be laughable. There are so many people who supported me throughout this process, and while I hardly imagine I can name them all, I’d be remiss if I didn’t at least give it a shot.

LucyKate, Ali, Jenna, Elaine, Heather, Jill, you fill my daily life with laughter and love, and I’m so grateful to have you. Terrifying as it sounds, you are all the voices in my head. Tristina, Ashley, Katie, Dahlia, Caitlin, Sara, and the other Sara, your support means more to me than I can say. Thank you for your encouragement and guidance. To Dawn, who has cheered me on from the moment I put pen to paper. My editor Anne has been such a cheerleader for this project, and I am so thankful. To each and every person in the Twitter machine who has cheered me on and propped me up when I went to tears for the millionth time, you will never know what that has meant to me.

To Heather Anne, of course and always. And to my best beloved Jeremy, who has never given up on me, not for a moment, not for a single second. I love you more than there are stars in the sky. Thank you for everything.

Part One

Chapter One

THE MIDDAY sun hung heavy overhead when the church bell began to clang, signaling their arrival. Marian Banner, who had spent the morning sitting quite still and trying not to wreck her dress, leaped up and dashed to the window. In the distance a red dust cloud rose from the dirt road that stretched away from Marian’s quiet village of Abyglen.

It’s them! she cried happily, turning from the window.

Laura Little looked up from the dishes and wiped her hands on her apron, frowning. Of course it’s them. Johnny wouldn’t ring the bell otherwise.

May I go out?

Laura untied her apron and pulled it over her head, then smoothed down her dress. It was her best one—green, with a collar and two buttons at the top. They were all dressed in their finest, of course. The arrival of the king demanded it.

Marian bit back a groan. "Laura."

Yes, all right, Laura said, patting her dishwater-gray hair. Let’s go. Eliahkim! The bell! And mind your dress, she shouted, but Marian was already out the door and running toward the square, dodging puddles and leaping over the mangy old dog who was sleeping near the well in the village square, completely unconcerned about the ruckus going on around him.

The thunder of hooves drew closer and the blaring of the king’s trumpeter too. Marian wound her fingers together as Dane, the town crier, detached himself from the others and stepped forward. There were a dozen men in the king’s traveling party, but Marian only cared about one of them—her father.

All hail King John, he shouted. Our most honored and noble king!

Marian left off scanning the men’s faces and dropped into a curtsy. Eager as she was, she didn’t dare lift her face to royalty.

Your Majesty came a voice that Marian recognized as the friar’s. Abyglen welcomes you.

Well met, Friar Tuck. I am most pleased to receive your welcome. A more beautiful village God has not blessed me with.

Nor could we be blessed with a more gracious king.

The king’s laugh boomed. Indeed, indeed. And how fine the weather.

God’s blessing on this day, Your Majesty.

Will not the people rise and meet their sovereign? the king asked. At that the villagers stood, shuffling awkwardly, unsure of what to do. Marian, however, immediately began scanning the faces of the king’s men.

The trumpeter was first in their party, still holding his instrument at the ready, as though he’d be called on at any moment. Behind him two huge knights stood with bows strapped to their backs and blades sheathed at their sides. The king was just behind them, and Marian paused for a moment to examine him. He was the king, after all. And he was frightfully handsome, just as everyone said. Broad of shoulder and narrow of waist, he commanded the attention of everyone in the village just by virtue of being in it at the same time they were. His eyes were as blue as a summer sky and his hair as gold as his crown. Marian bit her lip and looked past him.

There. Just behind the king, the king’s flag still held high above his head.

Papa, Marian whispered. A grin split her face, and she took a step forward. It had been eight weeks since she had seen her father. Eight weeks since summer had broken and he’d left their village for Nottingham and his tour with King John. Marian hated summer, when the king’s armies marched up and down the countryside, patrolling the borders and gathering up taxes and bandits as they went. Miserable as winter was, Marian longed for the days when the winds blew desperately cold and Papa would return to her.

Papa did not meet Marian’s insistent stare. He looked straight ahead, back as straight as an arrow, his jaw set and firm. How handsome he looked in his armor and cape. How brave. His arms did not even shake under the weight of the king’s enormous flag.

Johnny Little, Marian’s best friend, skidded to a stop beside her. He must have sprinted all the way from the church after ringing the bells. He was still panting.

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, he wheezed, clutching his side. Will you look at that?

Did you see my papa? Marian asked. She whacked Johnny on the back. He’s right there. Did you see him?

’Course I see him, Johnny responded. He’s a foot taller than anyone, even the king, God save him. I’m not sure it’s proper to be so much taller than the king.

He can’t help it, idiot.

I didn’t say he could help it. Just that I’m not sure it’s proper.

Marian rolled her eyes. You’re still upset I’m taller than you now.

You’re not! Johnny squawked, causing the woman nearest them to turn around and thump him on the head.

The king doesn’t want to hear you children bickering, she hissed.

I’m fifteen, Johnny retorted, and the woman thumped him again. Ow!

I’ll fetch your mother, I will, she said.

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, Johnny repeated. He rubbed his reddened ear. You didn’t have to hit me so hard. I was only—

The woman reared back again. Marian grabbed Johnny’s hand and hauled him away. Can’t you shut up for a single moment? she said, dragging him behind the well. I’ve got maybe five minutes to see Papa before he leaves again for the rest of the summer, and now I’m spending it saving you from—

You never saved me from anyone, Johnny said. Besides, you’ve got more than five minutes. I heard Da tell Ma that the king’s company sent word ahead they’d luncheon in the village.

What? Marian could hardly believe her ears. The king’s company never stopped when they passed through to collect taxes. But if Johnny was telling the truth, and they were stopping for luncheon, that would be ages and ages with Papa. Hours, maybe. Johnny Little, I could kiss you!

Johnny recoiled. Don’t you dare. Adelaide might see you.

Oh, I don’t give a fig about Adelaide, Marian replied. She darted forward and tried to plant a kiss on Johnny’s cheek, but he twisted out of her grasp, clapping a hand over his jaw.

Well, I do! he said. She’s already upset you’re spending the summer at my house. It was a week before she’d even speak to me after she found out.

Adelaide is an idiot.

Adelaide has hair the color of sunshine! I love her.

Yes, well, you’re an idiot too.

Children!

Marian and Johnny looked up to find Johnny’s mother Laura glaring at them.

Could the pair of you shut up? Johnny, run back to the church and check that all is ready for the king, God save him. Marian, your father—

Marian!

Marian whirled around. Papa had finally dismounted his horse and was striding toward her, his long legs eating up the distance between them.

Papa! Marian cried. She flung her lanky body at him. He caught her up and spun her in a circle. Marian’s heart skipped around in her chest.

Goodness, how much have you grown in these eight weeks gone by? Let me look at your face.

Marian pushed her hair off her shoulders and allowed Papa to hold her at arm’s length. Look at you. Heavens, but you look more and more like your mother every day. You and Johnny aren’t causing too much trouble for Laura and John, are you?

Of course not, Papa. I’ve been helping get things ready for the fall harvest.

Papa looked at Laura for confirmation. She nodded. She’s been no more trouble than Johnny would have been on his own.

I’m glad, Papa said. No—relieved.

And we’re relieved to see you safe and well, Laura said. She caught Papa’s arm in her hand and squeezed it. The pride of Abyglen, was Papa. I’d best go see to Johnny.

Once she was gone, Papa turned to Marian and raised an eyebrow. What other news?

Johnny nearly drowned in the river, Marian said.

Papa quirked one thick eyebrow. Did he? And what would Johnny say, if I asked about this near drowning?

He’d likely say someone tipped him in the river while he was meant to be fishing.

Meant to be?

He was sleeping.

Papa laughed. Marian reveled in the sound and in Papa’s familiar presence. She would likely burst with how full her chest felt.

Well, whatever the case, Papa said, reaching out and tugging on Marian’s braid, I’m glad you’re both all right.

And you? Marian asked. Are you all right? She scanned Papa’s face for any obvious injuries. Sometimes bandits laid traps in the woods for unsuspecting travelers, and word was they were particularly bad that year, but certainly they were no match for the king’s men.

I’m quite well, and even better for seeing you.

Marian beamed at his words. She did not like that Papa was so often gone from Abyglen, or that serving in the king’s army meant near constant danger for him, but she always felt so proud to see him with the king’s standard flying above him. The trade was almost worth it.

I mustn’t linger, Papa said, snatching Marian from her thoughts.

Her heart sank. You’re not going, are you? Only, Johnny said the company was staying in Abyglen for luncheon.

And here you’ve just finished leading me to expect nothing but lies from Johnny’s mouth, Papa said, but his eyes were twinkling. In this, however, he was speaking truth. Friar Tuck has welcomed us into the church hall to dine, and a number of the women have prepared food for us. The king, God save him, has grown weary of eating in the dirt, and I can’t say I disagree with him one bit. He leaned forward and lowered his voice. And between you and me, Friar Tuck has a new barrel of wine he’s keen to tap. Go and fetch your lute. You can play for us.

Can I really?

If you’re quick about it.

I’ll be as quick as lightning, Marian said. She grinned fully up at Papa, then turned and dashed away. Her lute was tucked neatly away in a trunk in Johnny’s room. Marian fetched it at once and hurried up to the church, pausing only to pat the rumps of a few of the horses tied there.

In the open air of the street, the king and his men had cut an impressive figure but not an imposing one. But here in the confines of the church hall, surrounded by dark, paneled walls and stained glass, their presence was overwhelming. Marian situated herself against a wall and made quick work of tuning her lute. Then she began to play—timidly at first, but then Papa caught her gaze and gave her a reassuring smile. Marian returned it and played a little louder.

The men feasted on fish and nuts and sweets; Friar Tuck opened the wine, and some of the women began filling pitchers with it to pass around to the men. All was bright and warm, and the scent of spices warmed Marian’s belly. With any luck Laura, who was darting around and filling goblets, would save her a piece of spice cake.

After a while Papa beckoned Marian over. She tucked her lute under her arm and went to join him.

King John, God save him, wishes to meet you, he said.

Marian’s eyebrows shot up. "His Majesty wishes to meet me?"

To thank you for your song.

Heaven and earth, Marian muttered.

"Straighten out your

Reviews for Marian

[keristars_1 · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

I was really disappointed by this book. I had hoped for a fun, light story inspired by Robin Hood in a historic setting - I love historical romance and Robin Hood and this could have been great! Unfortunately, the story begins with a dark and traumatic event and spends too much time for a romance novel talking about the death and destruction that bandits have caused to Marian's village. I had to push through, hoping for a great pay-off. There wasn't.The writing is mediocre. It was impossible to tell exactly how old the characters were in the first half, though the chapter index suggested a time skip later. I kept pegging Marian at around 10 or 11 years old, but apparently she's much older, since within weeks, there's talk of getting her married, and she's developing a romantic relationship with Robin. It was really awkward to have Marian acting so much like a little kid who doesn't know anything than like a teenager. This wasn't helped by the strong anti-femme elements - the nonsensical complaints about corsets and city life and dressing up, which is so much more modern than medieval. Honestly, a lot of the story in Nottingham in the second quarter of the book made me think of a modern story with medieval costumes, rather than actually being historical fiction. I tried to think of it as fantasy instead, but even then, Marian's complete unfamiliarity with the customs and culture in which she lived was jarring. (This is why she read as a little kid to me, and that made the romantic relationship with Robin a little bit gross.)After several days of trying and trying but completely failing to maintain interest in the book, and only complaining about it, I decided to move on to something else and give this up for lost. I hated that I actually paid for this book outright, rather than trying a sample chapter first. I have such regrets.Maybe the romance novel aspects in the second half of the book are good, but I'd have no idea since the characterizations and setting in the first half are so bad.