Thirty seven months to the day, a child of Locksley saw his homeland in the distance. He was a white hedgehog with lustrous cyan highlights. His clothes reflected modesty and a secure income. He straddled a large black horse, carrying a canteen made from the hide of a cactus and a sword hewn in forge of Saladin himself. He was surely a man from the crusades.

By him and behind him was a smaller rider on a more modest horse. This one was yellow; a fox with two tails. He was dressed in plain brown clothing and by his fur and his smell he hadn't bathed for quite a while. On his back was a large black shield made from wood with a metal coating. He had a short, simple broadsword resting in his sheath.

He had seen the tides of war turning from their source, but what he now saw put him in awe. The shear quiet and majesty of this land was almost overwhelming. Was this a European kingdom at war!? In his homeland, war changed the entire was of life. Everything was put into survival; fight or flight. Saladin and his armies battled The kings of the north and their armies and the earth itself seemed to shake with every battle cry. It was an awesome and terrible thing; so many people died. And so many people lived. For those who were still alive, it was hard to adjust back into old familiar surroundings after a battle. Every skirmish was a trip into the pits of hell, while bird of death the vultures in the desert awaited their feast. It was an awesome and terrible thing to behold from far away. It was unfathomably worse to be in the din itself.

This forest was a paradise.

He closed his eyes and felt the peace permeate him thoroughly. Once his muscles relaxed and his mouth wide to let out a content sigh his horse reared. Echo's did as well. They looked forwards and saw nothing. Echo drew his sword, ready from war for whatever was about to come next. Tails could hear something behind him and looked just in time to duck. As he did he shot his gaze forwards towards the thing and saw it.

"God damn all the little bumbles!" Echo shouted. It was a bumble bee. Tails withdrew his sword, perhaps this nation was not as peaceful as he thought.

The bumble bee zipped over head and the horse continued to rear and kick. Tails and Echo were forced to dismount. Then they heard a large crack like some great old oak ending its life in a clap of lightning. They turned to the forest and were shocked to see a huge crocodile barreling towards them holding an enormous tree limb. Echo ducked while Tails twisted his two namesakes and flew into the air. He caught sight of the bee and began to hunt it down like a raptor. The crocodile crashed into another tree and turned, roaring. Echo stood up quickly and pulled out from the saddle of his horse a bow and quiver. The crocodile charged and with the speed and grace of a water-strider her strung the arrow and let it fly; striking the crocodile in the bridge of the chest. It veered off course and into the horses who only stomped in blind terror.

Echo turned to face him, stringing another arrow and ready to strike if the man got up. Suddenly it was flung out of his hands. He looked and saw a chameleon with a knife. Echo ducked just in time to avoid this one and then got behind one of the horses. The purple reptile came out of the bushes and went after its weapons. Echo rushed behind and kicked it down once it was bent to pick them up. He took another arrow and held it to his neck, with the clear message that he didn't even need to string this one to make it a kill-shot.

In the air Tails hunted down the bumble bee with a great speed, equal to its own, but this was pointless. The bee was constantly a few too many feet ahead. So Tails flew up instead of down and landed on a tree branch, the bumble bee looked behind and saw nothing, so he went back down into a narrow dive to scare the horses and distract the hedgehog. Tails flew down and tackled the bee with his sword, cutting his back and forcing him to land. The battle was over.

A few more hours and Tails sighed. The bandits were slowing their progress, being tied to the horses with loose ropes. But still, this was a nicer country than his own. He lifted his smile to the sun and began to hum a peaceful tune to himself.

Starlight held her legs to her knees and rocked back and forth on her bed. A report from Dover showed, on a ship from the Holy Land, a man matching Echo's description was seen with another man, journeying north. Starlight thought that Echo was the only hedgehog carrying such a peculiar spike pattern and such sharp coloring. Oh, she loved everything about how he looked. She collapsed onto her back and would have laughed if weeping hadn't stormed out of her lips at the same time. A pink hedgehog in her room teared up as well.

"It does my heart good to see you so happy." She said, coming forwards to bring her into an embrace. Starlight sat up quickly and embraced her, kissing her forehead rapidly. She laughed and pulled away.

"Echo will be jealous!"

"Oh..." She flopped back onto her bed and flailed her limbs, then grabbed a pillow and let out a scream into it. She was so happy she didn't know what to do!

"It's been so long!"

"I know!" The maid sat down on a chair next to the bed just like she did when they first met. Echo had been gone for months and Starlight needed someone she could talk to about her feelings. She swore this, Amy Rose to secrecy and informed her of their relationship. It soon became her favorite bedtime story. And now, seeing Starlight like this, just made her feel so warm inside.

"Perhaps we should clean you up, so you won't be a mess when he sees you." Starlight jolted up.

"You're right!" Amy smirked.

"As usual. Come with me. I'll make you irresistible!" She took Starlight by her hands and almost dragged her into the bathroom, the combing, washing and primping would probably last until Echo stepped through her threshold. But even know Starlight couldn't help but think about the three years they'd been apart.

The older she got the more desperate her father was to have her married and the more suitors came to her door. As her wisdom and knowledge grew from day to day, so did, most regrettably, her bosom. Modesty forbade her from thinking it but Amy always told her she had a beautiful body. Starlight liked herself. she didn't care if she was pretty or not.

The boys, however, did. While her most dominant suitor was Knuckles of Gisborne many other men came to attempt to win 'The Lips Between Her Hips' as Amy called it. They needed heirs and they wanted to have a fun time producing them. With a beautiful figure and nice breasts she would make for a very good night's fun. Star knew that. But that wasn't what she wanted. She didn't want to be put up on a pedestal for 20 years then watch as her children do the same for 20 more years, then wait until she eventually dies. That was what women were expected to do. She swore on her love she'd have none of that! Of course she wanted to raise her own children, but she wanted to be a wife and a woman. She wanted to love and be loved. And Echo was the perfect man for her.

Echo caught glimpse of the castle of Nottingham in the distance and quickened his horse. The bandits had to run to stop from falling on the ground and being dragged. Tails laughed and sped up to equal him. They went out of the forest soon and down a little plain ton the gates of Nottingham where a guard stopped them.

"What business have you in Nottingham?"

"My squire and I captured these bandits and wish to turn them in. Also, we are returning from the crusades and wish to see some old friends." The guards looked at the dingy lot tied to the horses.

"Leave them here. I'll take care of it." Echo nodded ad the ropes were cut and they were free to ride swiftly into the city. Echo took note today was market day so they'd do good to avoid the main road. He kept to the side roads but was stunned to see they were full of what appeared to be huddled masses of vagabonds. He ducked into the main street after some time, with Tails in toe and saw that the once bountiful market consisted now of only a few odd stores among otherwise empty streets.

"A famine." Echo decided.

"Oh well. We're used to rations." Tails said with the slightest amount of disappointment he could manage. They continued down the main street until they found the castle and entered the inner gates. They rested their horses at the stable and tossed the stable master 10 guinea. He smiled as they charged towards the steps.

Once in the main hall they turned sharply left and headed strait for the living chambers and towards Starlight. Rounding a hall into another passage way leading to a flight of stairs however, they were stopped by two men. One was a hedgehog with intimidating red highlights on otherwise black fur. The other was a red Echidna of a beastly stature. Their clothes reflected a pocket book the size of a library and their expression simply made Tails wary. He'd seen men like this in the camps of European and Arabian armies. They were usually the ones who profited from the battles. The hedgehog spoke first.

"Who are you?" He asked quickly.

"Echo of Locksley, back from the Crusades." He responded.

"And this is my friend Tails Prower." Tails nodded timidly. The hedgehog's eyes trailed them back and forth for a moment. He then smiled and brought his hands together.

"Ah yes! Very good. I am The sheriff of Nottingham and this-"

"I know who this is." Echo sad with a secret air of discontent perceivable only by the behemoth.

"Sire Knuckles of Gisborne!" His poison was silent. Knuckles took his and firmly in response.

"Good to see you again." His anger was skill-less. Shadow instantly noted the enmity between these two.

"I hope you'll find my city quite an enjoyable experience. My good friend Sir. Airings has 12 daughters." A classic line. Quite a few females to win him over quickly. Echo was not amused.

"I thought the father of Maiden Starlight was sheriff." A nasty recoil. Shadow knew then he did not like this one. A simple 'No' would have been nothing but this was a blatant attack. This miscreant!

"He retired. I took over for him." He said these two were not so amusing anymore. Shadow brushed past them before saying-

"By your leave." Without a hint of graciousness. Tails blinked as Knuckles stayed in step.

"Who were they?"

"Men we must watch out for?" Echo told him. Then continued on his way. They climbed up the staircase and ran down two more adjacent halls before they found the place they should be in.

Starlight sat as Amy put the final touches into her hair. She smiled to herself. Her best work this was. Starlight's hair was dyed to sport several trendy lime green highlights on her 21st birthday. This hairstyle really brought them out. A few yellow bangs around her shoulders and the rest was up and combed forwards in front of her face showing off her eyes an giving her whole countenance a sort of mystical look. Her dress was light blue (to match his highlights) with dark blue borders. Amy also liked the way this dress forced her breasts upwards in such a way so they were both attractive and higher class (unlike some certain tavern women). Her legs were simply hanging down with the dress covering he entire body, and simple blue shoes on. Knuckles never knew why she liked that color so much.

"Very good." She decided before stepping back. Just then a knock was made at the door. Amy went forwards to open it and Starlight jumped to hide herself behind the door. Suddenly she heard a familiar sound.

"Is Maiden Starlight here?" She melted at his voice. He was probably adorned with jewels and crowns and all sorts of treasure from the Holy Land. He was probably so clean and well dressed for her like she was for him she almost collapsed at the thought of seeing him.

"Echo?"

"Yes." Starlight came out from behind her and gasped as she saw him, a hand covering her mouth. He was filthy. He was more that filthy. His clothes wee tattered and torn; she thought she saw a blood stain. His spikes were all out of order and his fur was dirty. He looked up at her with those same piercing blue eyes of his and smiled.

"Told you I'd be back." Several emotions ran through her at once. She held out her arms as she collapsed so he could catch her which he did. She felt herself heat up being in his arms again, but she now saw the last three years along with the war had greatly increased his height and muscle tone. Now he was just as sexy as he was handsome. He just stood there holding her and fluttering his eyes here and there, totally examining her looks.

"You're beautiful..." He said finally. "More beautiful then I dreamt." He brought her close to kiss him a tear burst through her right eye.

"And you're....sexy!" She laughed. Their eyes met; and they kissed.

Starlight was in heaven. As soon a they had a taste of each other they dove in desperately, their tongues rubbed and lapped with a furious passion. Echo brought he down onto her bed and sat down beside her as she began to finger his long hair. His chuckle muted upon her lips and he began to rub her locks. She moaned, pressing her body against his. He laughed and pushed her onto her back. Her legs came up and wrapped around his waist. He smiled and pulled back.

"Are you ok?" She opened her eyes and looked at him lovingly, her forehead was beginning to sweat and from her chest to her cheeks she as beginning to flush.

"I love you...." She moaned, coming back up to him and drawing him close to her again. He smiled and laid down on top of her, stroking her hair.

"I love you too.." He said breaking away and putting a finger to her mouth to prevent her kissing him again.

"We'll begin to make preparations presently; for our wedding...that is...if you still want me." Starlight's eyes watered once more.

"I want you more...than I want life itself!" She pushed pat his finger and hugged him against her chest. Echo paid no objection and rolled with her on the bed. Starlight continued to kiss him as if she were drugged and he held her close. It was heavenly.

"Tell me more!" Amy pleaded, hanging onto Tails's arm. He blushed even harder and looked away.

"Well, when Echo heard of the plot to kill the king he told me to fetch him some corn husks and sheep skins. Then we hid out under the pile of garbage outside the king's tent. When the men dressed in black came we jumped out and set fire to the pylons. Then I rushed in, sword drawn, and ready to die if that's what it took!" He held up hi hand in a dramatic gesture. Amy's eyes glistened.

"If Echo hadn't shot down all but one of them I'd have taken them out!" He falsely boasted. Amy blinked.

"All but one of them?"

"Yes. One of them survived. He rushed into the king's tent and drew his blade. Echo came in after him and tackled him. They dueled for a moment until Echo was able to cut the black scorpion symbol on his arm. He dropped the blade and ran. Echo chased him but once he as out he got hit by a rock of some sort. He dropped his sword and as he tried to pick it up the Saracen stepped on it, causing it to break. They wrestled for a while until the bells began to ring in the Watchman' tent. Even in the drunken stupor they were able to wake up! Well, the Saracen fled and Echo was too dazed to follow. But that sword that the Saracen dropped-" He stopped walking for a moment.

"The king had reforged and blessed by the bishop of Antioch. It was then presented to him as a gift for saving the king's life!" Amy smiled, bouncing with joy.

"What did you get?!" She asked, thoroughly delighted. Tails looked away a bit flushed.

"I got....another sword!" He grimaced. It as true he got the sword, but it was stolen rather than presented. She giggled with delight s they turned a corner, only to see two figures standing a few feet ahead in the dark.

"There you are!" One of them shouted. "We've been looking for you." He stepped into the light to reveal his identity: The sheriff. He was holding a riding crop as if he had just been on horseback.

"Tell your masters we wish to see them bright and early tomorrow morning. They are to dress appropriately." Shadow told them. Knuckles looked at Amy.

"Starlight wears blue far too often. Ask her to wear red or green tomorrow." Amy scowled slightly.

"To match?"

"To match." He nodded. Tails blinked, suddenly realizing what was going on. Shadow smirked at himself.

"Well then? What are you waiting for?" He rose his hand holding the riding crop and waved them away like cattle. Knuckles of Gisborne turned to The Sheriff.

"Sir. Is it wise to hold meetings by night?"

"At least as wise as holding meetings by day!" He harped back. "We have much to prepare. And a 'war hero' like Locksley will be a perfect addition to our local forces."

"He won't join us eagerly."

"I think he will. A noble loves his nobility more than anything. He wouldn't risk losing it; which is exactly what happens when one walks with outlaws."

"What do you love more than anything?!" Starlight laughed, rolling with him on the bed. she felt him land a few more kisses on her neck.

"You my darling." He said, taking her hands in his. She pulled away smiling and jolted to the other side of the bed.

"What is more precious to you than me?" She asked, faking a bit of jealousy. He smiled and pounced again.

"Nothing!" He landed a kiss right on her lips; like secret, silent professions of love between them. He held her limbs down so she couldn't move away and she felt a hot surge of passion and lust flow through her as she wrapped her legs around his waist. And how now she wanted him! Then the doors blew wide open.

"Sire!"

"Lady!" Amy and Tails stood there chocked to see the two of them in that position. Echo brought her upright with him and she rubbed her head against his chest. Echo scowled at them.

"What is it that's so important?!" He seethed. Poor Tails recoiled. He didn't mean to disturb them. Amy drew a deep breath.

"Knuckles and Shadow want you both tomorrow very early." She said. "And knuckles wants your dress to match his coloring." Sharp blades of jealousy stabbed Echo's chest as soft moans of pain-as distinguished from soft moans of pleasure- droned out of Starlight.

"Red?"

"Or green if you prefer."

"Green then." She closed her eyes and sighed. She had an idea of what was going on tomorrow and the very thoughts depressed her. She turned to her constant lover.

"I love you....but you have to go now." She almost pushed him off the bed and he almost ran off. Tails managed to get off the high linen as well.

"Tomorrow I shall take you to Locksley." Echo said sternly. Starlight smiled. She could take one more day of Gorborne's fruitless chase.

"Very well." She leaned down and kissed him on the forehead one last time. For some reason he blushed as he turned and began to leave. Tails was right behind when he was taken by the shoulders and pulled into a deep kiss by Amy for a second. She pulled away quickly, giggling however and he stumbled a bit, returning to his former path.

"M-Malady." He stammered. She waved like a child as he left behind a now thoroughly amused Echo. Starlight turned to her maid.

"What was this?"

"Oh....just marking my territory." She said smiling as she began to help undress Starlight. Outside Echo and Tails proceeded down cold stone corridors to their temporary quarters. Echo, once in a tight turn, stopped Tails.

"I want you to do some things for me." He said. Tails nodded.

"What do you need?"

"I don't like that Gisborne character. We should be ready for a quick escape. Prepare me some flasks of Flash Powder and 3 swift horses as the stables are to be watered and readied for riding at a moment's notice." Tails nodded.

"Anything else?" Echo thought for a moment.

"Get me some arrows if you can." Tails held out his hand and Echo placed a small pouch filled with gold inside.

"How much powder?"

"Oh....enough to stun a dozen wagons." Tails nodded. That would not be so hard. Twelve vials of highly explosive powder in enough time to make 20.

"I'll see you in an hour or so." It was good that the materials needed were easily obtained at any hour. Echo nodded and proceeded in his direction as Tails ran off to arrange their supplies.

10 hours to the minute later Starlight walked down the hall with her maid in step. Echo and Tails joined them in the hall at a point and the rosy lovers shared a quick kiss. Soon however they were greeted by a beaming black hedgehog and an enormous Echidna who, with all too much fervor, took Starlight's hand and kissed it affectionately. She had to turn her head to stop herself from taking it away and causing a scene. After all, she had no real excuse not for taking his advances unless Echo was counted. And he wasn't counted. Knuckles of Gisborne was strong, attractive, rich, had a good job, even her father liked him. Most people considered the two of them and almost item. She kept her willfulness at her side however, as much as he could. It would be improper for her to not allow him his flirtations. She could not be improper.

"Well then." Shadow said, clasping his hands together in a much too cheerful tone. "Let us be off." He turned his heel perfectly and began to stride towards the main courtyard. Knuckles followed, holding Starlight's hand against her will. once they exited the dark corridor the lovers blinked at a large wooden structure with some sacks and ropes in it; a terrible design that all men feared. In all of mans history up to this decade, no better instrument of darkness better collected the debt that all men pay, than the gallows-scaffold. A man dressed in hooded black stood there upon his deathly craft. He had to conceal his face or else be destroyed by riots once he climbed down. Next to him were three poor souls with three ropes around their heads. Even so early in the morning a crowd had gathered to see the execution of this deadly devise. Starlight's face paled. She did not want to see people die.

They were quickly shuffled to their seats upon a terrace. The sheriff addressed the crowd.

"We are brought here today.....to see a hanging!" He said simply. The crowed jeered. He turned an addressed Echo.

"No this is the time to have their crimes read out." He reached into his pocket and pulled out a folded piece of paper.

"Read it to the crowd and announce the final moment. Then they drop." Echo stood up and took the scroll. If England sentenced these men to die it must be so. He resented the sheriff's wicked ways just the same though. He opened the piece of paper and began to read.

"For the crimes of tax evasion!" Tax evasion? Was this a capital punishment now?

"The crime of theft and of resisting the sheriff's absolute authority these men shall-" The final words, half formed in his throat, half choked him to death right there. It all felt very surreal to him, like he was in a dream. He very quickly looked around him and saw the peoples' faces. This was not a dream. But these crimes, as far as he knew, were not worth more than a month in the stockade; two if your judge was in a foul mood. He looked up to see what manner of men these were, who were about to die.

Great God! A crocodile, chameleon and -with his wings bound together- a bumble bee!

Was it I that sent them to the gallows? No. What wicked system of justice is this? Nay justice! Revenge!

"Get on with it!" A man cried out.

"Yes. Give out their sentence." The sheriff ordered. Echo swallowed and turned to Starlight. A tear was in one eye and she nodded her head, knowing it would not make any difference. Echo looked up and behind her and saw Tails. He nodded as well, ready for that 'quick escape' he had been told to prepare. Echo then turned a final time and faced the crowd. He bellowed.

"Stop this madness! Stop this right now!!" He turned his back and Tails threw the first flask of flash powder, as it exploded on the steps he ran towards the back of the building. Starlight was immediately shuffled under the table by Knuckles.

"Wait here." He ordered. She dared not disobey. The sheriff pushed through the white smoke.

"Hang them!" He shouted. The floors dropped and the bandits began to kick. As Echo passed by Tails threw him his bow and quiver, along with the flash powder, before drawing his sword. Then Echo turned to the windows in the corridor and strung his bow.

"People of Nottingham! These people have done no crime worth more than a branding on the back!" His voice boomed and commanded their attention as he released his missile towards the smallest bandit and sliced through the rope.

"And they like so many I can scarcely imagine have been condemned to die by the evils of one man's vice!" A second arrow was shot and the chameleon was saved.

"Will you tolerate this injustice?! I for one; will not!" A third arrow cut the Crocodile to the ground. The chameleon quickly took one of them and cut the bumble's bonds, allowing him to fly. The sheriff watched as his power collapsed around him.

"Guards! Gather those criminals!" He turned to Knuckles.

"Bring me Echo alive! I want to see him hanged!" Knuckles smirked as he turned and chased the hedgehog. Tails rushed out into the chaos with his sword and his shield. The crowd around the gallows frenzied away as two or three dozen men in chain mail armor hanging over black uniforms stormed the courtyard. The crocodile took a beam of wood from the gallows and held it like a club. The chameleon instantly vanished! Tails took up position behind the crocodile who began to hammer and swing at the men. Several of them were thrown to their feet. Tails then turned behind to see a score of troops attempting to surround them.

"Quickly! About face!" He shouted to the crocodile who obeyed without question and smashed at the reinforcements. Tails rushed behind him to the remaining soldiers and began to cut them down before they could reach the behemoth.

Echo ran down the halls towards the exit. He heard some heavy footsteps behind and turned to see who was chasing him. Sure enough Gisborne had given chase. Echo smirked and stopped, turning to face him.

"You're in love with Starlight aren't you?"

"She's mine outlaw!"

"That so?"

"Yes!" He barreled forwards to tackle the hedgehog. Echo jumped to the window and pulled out some more flash powder and threw it at the Echidna's feet. Echo then dropped from that window onto the ledge of the level underneath. He climbed inside and began to run again.

All the Sheriff's soldiers were no match for the men. They soon were able to fight their way towards the end of the Higher town where the stable was. Echo leapt into view running from the castle towards his men.

"Tails!"

"Echo!"

"Idiots!" The Crocodile seethed. "Just who in the hell do you think you are?!"

"The guy whose going to save you!" Echo shouted as he vaulted into the stable.

"Take these horses and ride to the gate. The bumble and me will make sure it is open before you get there." The crocodile nodded.

"Charmy! Follow us!" He shouted to the buzzing thing floating just out of reach for the sheriff's men. Knuckles burst out of the castle with the regrouped castle guards.

"Don't let them escape!" He boomed. Tails mounted his hose quickly and began to ride. The Crocodile and chameleon mounted their animals and did the same.

"I wont let you hurt her!" Echo turned to see the echidna bursting out of the castle with a regrouped castle guard. He sighed.

"I'm not the one she has to worry about..." He whispered. He then turned and jumped onto the window sill of the stable and swung to the outside. He then climbed up the wall and onto the roof. From there he ran to the edge and lumped onto another, two story building. He looked behind to see the guard trying to climb to the roof of the stable with a ladder. He smirked and climbed to the top of the building. From there he ran back, jumping from one roof to another until he reached the wall and jumped onto the bend in the large stairway allowing troop access to the anti-siege positions on the terraces. He turned o make sure he was being followed and -very well he did- Gisborne was gliding down from the castle! Echo ducked just in time to drop below his lunge and the both redrew their swords.

"You'll never get you dirty hands on her!" Oh if only he'd seen him last night...

"Wanna bet?"

"Wha-"

"Fifty pence."

"Crowns."

"Pounds!" Echo shot back. Knuckles growled.

"Fifty pounds indeed." His sword lunged. Echo blocked.

"Is that all you got?" Knuckles turned his sword and released. Echo stepped back. Knuckles threw a downward strike. Echo turned and moved out of the way, positioning himself near a banner's rope tether.

"Come and get me!" He taunted. Knuckles leered him and stoke downward with all his speed and power. Echo could only drop down to his knees, but it was enough. The sword was lodged in the ropes. Knuckles quickly began to pull and try to release it but Echo crawled forwards and threw another bomb of flash powder at Knuckles, creating a large white cloud of smoke. Echo then ran down the path, firing of a few more volleys of the bright, booming haze.

The Bumble was hovering near the gate and the others were maneuvering around the traffic in the square to get to the end. Echo grabbed the gate's control and loosed the draw bridge before opening the gate. A few more sliders come but were quickly disoriented by the bee. Echo withdrew another arrow and jammed it into the wheel before taking another tether and loosening the knot, allowing the rope to swing freely. Once the others were through Echo leapt off the side of the wall like a madman and landed gracefully on the drawbridge. He saw the men arrive a his previous location and smiled.

"After them!" Someone shouted. The other men at the bottom of the wall began to race towards the open gate. However, as soon as they were at the threshold the gate flew shut an crushed them. The arrow that Echo had stuffed into the gear snapped; and so did the gear. Echo looked up and waved at Knuckles who was calling for the archers.

"By your leave Gisborne!" He shouted. Tails rode his horse to Echo who leapt on.

"Where to now?" The crocodile asked, sounding annoyed.

"Sherwood." He said firmly. Tails nodded and went off. The bumble flew by the crocodile who nodded at it.

"Follow them." They began to trail the crusaders.

Starlight came out from under her hiding place and saw the wreckage. She was hocked to see several men on the ground dead and the gallows toppled over without the beam the Crocodile had stolen. She turned and saw the Sheriff walking towards the steps.

"It is with a heavy heart that I must now...formally announce that Sir. Echo of Locksley, his two-tailed friend, in addition to those traitorous men who've escaped justice with their help, are all outlawed in this England. Anyone giving them food shall be prosecuted. Anyone giving them sanction shall be executed and anyone offering them help will be sent to the gallows." Starlight's heart sank. Echo was gone. She stood up in a daze and tumbled towards her chambers. Amy had to come and give her support. They passed the sheriff on the way to the castle who merely said,

"Good thing that those bandits snatch you up. Don't worry. We'll find them."