The whole gang, including Emma, rushed to follow John through the forest. They hadn't gone far when John hushed them and got them to follow closely and quietly until they were on the verge of a grassy mound looking out onto the road. The sight that met them was of half a dozen armed horsemen marching through the forest clad in black.
"You know what this means." Whispered Robin, "The Sheriff is up to something. These men must be for him, why do we not go and introduce ourselves men?"
"Ahem woman present as well!" Emma pointed out. Robin looked at her,
"My lady you could not possibly come down with us! It is too dangerous."
"I've been wandering the country alone for three years, I know how to look after myself and I'm coming down with you whether you like it or not."
Realising he was beaten Robin nodded his head, "Right, here is the plan"
The outlaws split up and, hidden by the trees, positioned themselves so that they were encircling the horsemen. Robin stepped out in front of the first, causing the horse to rear up. "I am Robin of Locksley, Earl of Huntingdon. What is your business here?"
"We have private business with the Sheriff. Now let us past before I slit your throat."
"Oh I do not think that will be happening seeing as my men have you surrounded."
"Wha-" The horseman began before he saw the outlaws appear from the trees with their weapons aimed at his men.
"And there are more still hiding who will only appear if you cause trouble." And right on cue Much started his system of rope to rustle the trees to make it appear as though there were many more of them around. "Drop your weapons." The first horseman beckoned to the others to comply and grudgingly swords clattered to the floor.
"Get off of the horses." Again the horsemen did as they were instructed. Robin nodded at his men (and woman) and they moved in, keeping an eye on the horsemen and looking through the horsemen's items.
"Now," Robin held his bow up and pointed an arrow directly at the first man's chest, "what is your business with the Sheriff?" The horseman glared in stony silence at Robin. Robin shot an arrow skimming across the top of the horseman's head. "Speak! Or my aim may improve"
With just a hint of fear in his eyes the horseman pulled out a letter and handed it to Robin. "We were instructed to deliver this."
"Really? Well we will just see what it says then." Robin started to read.
Whilst this was all going on the outlaws had been engrossed rifling through the horsemen's belongings. So engrossed in fact that they weren't paying as much attention to the captives as they should have been. Emma was the only one still on guard which is why she noticed one of the horsemen behind Allan reach into his cloak and pull out a glinting blade.
Quick as a flash Emma leant down and pulled out of her boot a small dagger. "Allan!" she yelled just as the horseman was about to plunge the blade into Allan's back. She hurled her dagger straight past Allan as he looked up startled and it sank into the dark figure's chest. Slowly the horseman fell, his blade clattering to the ground just as Allan realised what had almost happened. Immediately the clearing erupted into frenzy as the outlaws all turned to see what had happened and the horsemen, seeing they were distracted, had leapt onto their horses and ran. The outlaws gave chase but realised it was no use; they could not out run galloping horses.
Emma hurried across to Allan, "Allan, Allan! Are you all right?" He looked at her,
"I'm not being funny, but that was a close one." His face had gone slightly pale.
The rest of the outlaws gathered round to make sure their friend was safe. "Yeah I'm fine, just a little shaken is all" He told them with a small smile, "now what's in this letter eh Robin?"
"It is a time and location for the Sheriff to collect something from "King" John. A delivery is being dropped a mile outside of Locksley in an abandoned mill tomorrow at midnight."
"What could it be master?" Much asked.
"I do not know Much, but we will soon find out."
"You mean we are going to steal whatever it is?"
"Yes."
"Oh great"
"Oh come now Much! It is for the good of England!"
"I know master but it is just another dangerous situation we are getting ourselves into. You seem to be making a habit of it."
"I am sorry Much, I know you are just looking out for me. But it may be something important and we need to know what it is. We can not let the Sheriff get anything that will be used against the people of Nottingham. And you never know, it might be a food gift. The "King's" finest pork or beef." Much' eyes lit up at the sound of this.
"Well when you put it like that master, I suppose it would be all right if we went to have a look…"
"Good man Much! Now let's get back to camp."