Robin Hood: Return to the End

By: Shadow Chaser

Author's Notes:

Robin Hood and all of its characters do not belong to me. This story is written for fandom and not for profit. This story takes place in mid-November when King Richard returns from the Holy Land.

Summary:

Continuing from where Part 2 left off, King Richard, insistent on teaching his younger brother John a lesson, heads to Nottingham along with Robin and the gang, the remnants of the Private Guard and Altaїr, the assassin with his own mission. What awaits them is the most devious trap yet. The confrontation between the Sheriff and Robin has come at last. For each moment, there is a pause. For each moment, there is a glimpse of dark. For each moment, there is the hope of light. Robin faces the moment of truth and this time, it will cost a life.

Story:


Part 1 – Indomitable

SHERWOOD FOREST

The sun had just barely risen and Robin was almost done cleaning his blade, having spent the evening after his talk with Carter and Altaїr sitting by Marian, absently making new arrows after salvaging the ones off of the bodies before burying them. He still had not told her about her father's death, unwilling to break her heart after she had looked so happy to see him. He knew that he would have to before they entered Nottingham, he did not want her to find out from the Sheriff or from anyone else.

He lifted his blade, and stared down its curvature. There were some nicks and dents in the blade, but that was natural wear and tear in the months he had been using it. He was focused on his blade so much that when a slightly skinnier, but still curved blade tapped his own lightly Robin nearly jumped. He glanced up and saw Altaїr standing near him, a neutral expression on his face.

However, Robin understood the challenge behind the tapping of their swords and grinned up at his friend, whose expression went from neutral to a wiry smile. It was an old game they played, one that started when he had been recovering from the near-fatal stab wound he had received protecting the King. In order to build up his energy reserve and to make sure his wound did not immobilize him, he had taken up sparring with some of the younger Hashashin recruits and several times had even sparring with the master assassin himself.

But since Altaїr had been trained from a very young age to kill and wield the sword, Robin had been defeated each time. He had counteracted by challenging his friend to archery contests around Masyaf, beating him soundly and managing to impress more than a few recruits to the hardiness of the bow and arrow. The night before he left for the port of Acre and from there by boat to Sicily and home, Altaїr had challenged him in what they both thought was the last time they were ever to meet. Naturally, the assassin had won that final bout, but had also imparted him with the partial Piece of Eden he now carried. The match had also taught Robin a little more about himself and how much he had changed since he had been in the Holy Lands.

"This time, Altaїr, this time," he called out quietly as he got up, brushing some fallen leaves from his pants and setting his cleaning cloth down.

The assassin only nodded congenially before the two of them headed just a little bit away from camp, unwilling to wake the rest with what both hoped would be a good practice. It was also practical in a way, to ward off the chill and to make Robin feel a little stronger since he had escaped from Nottingham's dungeons. He knew that he could not fool Carter, the King, or even Altaїr on his slightly deteriorated condition, having not eaten a proper meal since his imprisonment, but he hoped that the rest of the gang, especially Marian had not noticed.

He hoped the exercise would do him wonders and hopefully bring his energy level back up to a somewhat normal feeling, especially since they were so close to Nottingham. He had a feeling he would need his wits about him when his liege and lord confronted his brother.

"Any rules?" he asked as they found a small clearing near the camp where the ground was mostly flat and devoid of any sharp rocks or fallen logs. It was custom to ask if any of the trainees wanted additional rules in order to help them learn without being completely overpowered by their opponent, especially if it was a senior opponent. When he had been training with the assassin trainees, some had asked that he would only attack from the front, or some had even boldly declared that he could use whatever weapon he had wanted. When he had been fighting Altaїr during those times, it was pretty much no rules involved and sometimes included a lot of dirty tricks, especially on the assassin's part. He had thought Altaїr would fight honorably, but the master assassin showed him why he had gotten his rank and how he fought – there was no honor or chivalry involved, just a decisive victory, or in the case of his victims when out in the field, death.

"No rocks," Altaїr shrugged and Robin nodded.

"Agreed," rocks would only serve to injure themselves and it was a fair point, "no Pieces of Eden."

Here the leader of the Masyaf Hashashin laughed lightly, a rich and rare sound before nodding his agreement. "No Pieces of Eden."

Robin's lips quirked up in a crooked smile before he killed it and held his blade in front of him, his right hand gripping the pommel, his left hovering near it in case he needed extra power behind his first swing or block. Across from him Altaїr drew out his blade and held it in a similar way. There was a moment's pause before Robin took the offensive and kicked up several dried leaves from the ground towards the assassin.

Through the curtain of falling leaves, he saw the assassin set his blade and duck to the side bringing his blade to the side to counter the blow he swung at him. The leaves were only a diversion, but he wanted to let Altaїr know that while rocks were not supposed to be use, it meant that anything on their mock battleground was useable, including the dried fallen leaves.

The slightly humorless grin Altaїr shot at him spoke volumes as to what he thought that kind of attack was, amateurish, easily seen, and most definitely stupid. Robin mock bowed with only a dip of his head before breaking the stalemate and attacked again, going on the offensive. He slashed in quick succession, driving the master assassin back before spinning and bringing his blade in an angled strike. It was met with counter of its own before Robin quickly brought up his free arm in a defensive block as Altaїr took advantage of their close state to punch him.

He retaliated with a hasty kick of his own, and only caught cloth as the assassin dodged. Robin gripped his sword with both of his hands as Altaїr turned on the offensive and blocked the blows that the assassin threw at him. With their curved swords, they were a fairly even match, but Altaїr was just a little taller than and thus his arms had a little more reach. He stumbled a bit as his feet found a branch on the ground before rolling away and lifted his sword to block an overhead blow.

"Your footwork atrophied," the assassin commented lightly before breaking the stalemate and stepping back to allow him to get up onto his feet.

"Getting better all the time," Robin shot back, feeling some perspiration on his forehead before attacking Altaїr again. He had forgotten how much fun a mock swordfight could be with his friend.

As they traded blows back and forth, the assassin more than once allowing him to get back to his feet or recover his wind, Robin could feel himself getting a little stronger, a little better than how he had felt during yesterday's battle. Yesterday's battle was fueled by anger and by adrenaline. Today's mock fight was fueled only by the desire to test himself to his limits without exhausting his reserves. It had also reawakened a competitive streak within Robin that he had not felt since the silver arrow competition. But even that competition had not really tested his skills since he had spent a majority of the time destroying Treeton mine and helping Rowan avenge his father's death.

As they skirted the makeshift battleground, occasionally trading light insults or observations, Robin realized that since his return and his vow of not killing anyone unless it was necessary or if they meant harm to Marian or the King, his skills, especially with his sword work had atrophied as Altaїr had said. He wasn't the best with a sword, no that title definitely belonged to Carter, but he was fairly competent and able to hold his own. One needed not only the skills to fire bows and arrows with accuracy, but also sword work to protect the King.

It was not that he blamed his time amongst his gang and friends in Sherwood Forest, but rather, he did not blame anyone. He had wanted a life of peace after he had returned and the Sheriff had forced his hand, forcing him to fight what was right and become an outlaw. And he had done so with the utmost reluctance – and that reluctance had made him not want to kill anyone they had encountered. It was only after Marian's near fatal wound that he had woken up once more and realized that he could not properly defend those that he loved and cared for unless one was willing to kill in this day and age. The Sheriff was most certainly willing to kill and though he had told himself his reluctance to kill was because of the vow he had made when he had received the curved Saracen sword, it was because he could not face the truth – that he could have become what the Sheriff and Gisborne had become, power hungry men.

He had all of the power in the world being Captain of the King's Private Guard. He could have asked for better lands, better title, and increase in status. But he had asked none of those things and that was what ultimately separated him from the Sheriff and from Gisborne. He was content with his lot in life, being with Marian, and being Lord of the little village of Locksley.

With a smile, Robin realized that was what truly made him different from the Sheriff. He did not want to be like them, he wanted to be an ordinary man looking for his place in the world.

Altaїr must have noticed his smile of enlightenment for Robin suddenly had to defend himself from the quick sure strikes the assassin abruptly launched at him. He scuffled backwards blocking a blind jab before his vision was filled with leaves as the assassin quickly kicked up several in the middle of his attack. Robin only had a flash of glinting silver before ducking under the blade and lashed out with his own. He fought back, the rhythm of the battle humming through him and to his surprise, battered away a guard that Altaїr had brought up. Taking advantage of the quick look of surprise on the assassin's face, he extended his reach forward and looked to finally defeat the assassin when just as suddenly the assassin disappeared and Robin only had a split second of a glance as Altaїr slid across the leafy ground before rolling to his feet behind him.

But it was too late for Robin as he brought his sword up in a hasty parry. He froze as he felt the cold metal touch the nape of his neck, Altaїr's blade having found its fatal mark, though the assassin did not actually slice his head off.

No words were spoken between them as Robin eyed the blade resting against his neck before the assassin pulled it away and sheathed it, a wiry smile on his face. A bark of laugher issued from Robin's lips as he also sheathed his blade and it was only the sound of a few hands applauding that he realized they had an audience.

He looked to his right beyond the makeshift battleground to see Marian standing next to Carter, a smile on her face. The rest of his gang had sat on various rocks and perches around their little battleground, most of them with impressed expressions their faces. Apparently he and Altaїr had not moved far enough as he suspected the clanging of their blades had woken the camp up. Carter had a rueful look on his face as Robin headed towards them.

"Your left guard is still a bit weak," was all his friend said before turning back to camp, joining the rest of the Guard and patrol group that were around the fire, making breakfast.

"How many was that Much?" Robin called out to his former manservant who was intent on joining the others as they surrounded Altaїr, hoping to talk with him.

Much paused, his eyes skyward as he thought before counting a bit on his fingers and finally replied, "Fourteen."

"Thanks," he replied as he took Marian by the hand and led her away from the place.

"Fourteen?" she asked, curious.

"Fourteen challenges and fourteen times Altaїr's beaten me sparring like this," he replied.

She stared at him before glancing back to where the assassin had was talking with Djaq and Will, the latter of the two listening with an intensity that Robin had learned was when Will wanted to learn something. Allan and Little John hung behind, but were also curious as to what the master assassin had to say. Much looked like he had already heard whatever Altaїr had said and nodded before interjecting his own thoughts. He was glad that his gang had accepted the assassin; much like the Masyaf Hashashin had accepted him and Much so long ago.

"You didn't do so bad..." she shrugged.

"I actually thought it would be over sooner," he admitted, "Altaїr rarely holds back whenever we spar."

"And he did this time?" Robin could hear the skeptical tone in her voice and knew that she was concerned for him.

He sighed quietly before stopping as they threaded their way around the outskirts of the camp. He knew that he could lie and make up something to ease her mind, but he did not want her to worry if she discovered the lie. She had already seen what had happened to him the first time he had been imprisoned and tortured by Hadiya. And he knew that she was strong, perhaps even stronger than he was. "I am fine..."

Her smile disappeared as she stared at him with a raised eyebrow.

"Okay," he hesitated, "I am mostly fine. There wasn't any of the torture that Hadiya had inflicted upon me."

"However..."

"It was a trap, an elegant, clever trap," Robin knew that the time had come to tell Marian about her father, "one that I should have seen." He shook his head before looking at her, "I'm sorry Marian..."

"Robin?"

"They trapped me through your father," he started hesitantly, "holding him prisoner in Nottingham's dungeons and letting it slip that he was held there."

"A-And my father?" Marian asked, her voice wavering.

He squeezed her hands and shook his head before a small sob escaped her lips as she closed her eyes, the tears falling down her face. Robin released her hands and instead, pulled her towards him, embracing her tightly, "I'm sorry...I am so sorry."

He held her tightly as she cried, her tears soaking through his chainmail and making his tunic damp underneath. Out of the corner of his eye, he caught Much making his way towards them before stopping, noticing him holding her and nodded once before turning away. Robin appreciated the gesture, having told Much and the rest of the gang of Edward's demise the night before.

He continued to whisper apologies into her ears as she cried, knowing that she needed the time to grieve. The early morning sun had risen just a little higher before Marian finally stopped crying, keeping her head buried against him. He had fallen silent, willing to just hold her and be her anchor. Robin looked up as Carter crested the small hill near the camp, looking for them and stopping in his tracks as he spotted them.

"The King is ready to leave," his friend murmured quietly, understanding what had just happened.

Robin nodded solemnly as Marian extracted herself from his arms, hastily wiping her red-rimmed eyes before composing herself. "Are you all right?" he asked as he saw Carter turn away from them, giving them some privacy, but also urging them to hurry before the King became impatient.

"I will be," she replied, her voice quiet, a wan smile on her face, "thank you, Robin...for telling me."

He squeezed her hand in reassurance before the two of them headed back to camp, Carter a few steps ahead of them. Robin saw that Much had prepared his horse along with Marian's and was grateful that even after not being his manservant for nearly a year; he still was thoughtful as ever. They climbed up onto their horses and after Robin made sure Marian was truly all right, spurred his horse forward to join with the rest of the Guard. His gang, Marian, and Altaїr followed behind, surrounded by the remnants of Geoffrey's patrol. Together, they started the last leg of their journey towards Nottingham.


NOTTINGHAM CASTLE

Prince John was furious as he heard the latest scouting reports regarding his brother, King Richard. The ambush had failed spectacularly and adding salt to a raw wound was the news that a contingent of his own soldiers had allied themselves with his brother and rumors that Robin Hood had joined up with the King. Vaysey had tried to placate his liege and lord with the assurance of the Piece of Eden's work, but the Prince would not listen. Duke Leopold was even less helpful in Vaysey's opinion, the head of the Templar Order blaming the Prince for everything that had gone wrong since landing at Boston.

He was sure of the plan his liege had thought out, was so sure of it and now to see parts of it falling. Vaysey would not be deterred from what was rightfully his for so long. He would not be deterred from the power that awaited him when Prince John became King of England and the realm. All because of one man, one man who dared to usurp the place that was given to him in the world, one man who had ruined so many of his plans, who had been a thorn in his side for so long.

And now the latest scouts said that the King was on his way here. "Milord," he hurried after Prince John's quick steps as he walked around the castle, "Milord there is still a way to salvage this..."

"There is no way to salvage this!" Prince John hissed as he pushed past a servant, sending him into the wall before turning towards the Great Hall and entered it.

"But there is," Vaysey insisted, "all we need is to separate the King from his Guards-"

"And how," his Prince whirled around, nearly making Vaysey stumble into him as he stopped abruptly, "would you separate the King from the ones who were sworn to protect him? Would you do the same to me and stab me in the back?"

"That is not my intention, Your Majesty," Vaysey held his hands up in an attempt to placate his liege's wrath.

"He may have a point, Prince John," Leopold spoke up as they entered, his Guards surrounding him as always. They were silent sentinels, dressed in armor that made them even more intimidating and hulking. The Sheriff knew that the armor was supposed to intimidate everyone around them and while he did feel a bit dwarfed by their presence, he made sure it wasn't visible on his face.

The Prince shot him a withering look before gesturing roughly for him to step forward and speak. Vaysey bowed his head slightly and shuffled forward, "If we separate him with the wish of maintaining peace and stability, we would be able to use the Piece of Eden in Gisborne's possession to continue our plans."

"You would have me surrender to my brother?" Prince John was livid, but Leopold held up a hand, stopping him from making any rash moves.

"I presume you know of what the Pieces of Eden mean?" the Duke of Austria approached him slowly, the tap of his staff echoing on the stone ground.

"Yes, Your Grace," Vaysey nodded, a hesitant smile on his face, "we were approached by an assassin, Hadiya, and Lord Le Celle of France several months ago..."

"A most curious rumor about Le Celle," the Duke suddenly looked thoughtful, "he never made it back to his castle in France. In fact, we have heard rumors that he died here in Nottingham." The Duke looked at him pointedly, "Do you have anything to say to this?"

"He-"

"He was weak," Gisborne's voice cut through his and Vaysey looked to see his second-in-command stepping out of the shadows. Where Gisborne had been all this time was beyond him, but it looked like the spine that he knew had been lacking had finally grown. It could not come soon enough either.

The Duke turned a little to stare at Gisborne whose expression looked like it could have been carved from stone. "He was one of my liaisons in the Norman courts."

"Then appoint a new one," Gisborne shot back, "if you are to divide up the King's lands you would not need a liaison in the Norman courts."

"Unless you would like to be that liaison?"

"The Gisborne name is all but blight upon Norman lands," Vaysey suppressed a knowing smile at his second-in-command's words. Lady Ghislaine, Gisborne's mother, was once a highly regarded French noblewoman who fell from disgrace when Gisborne's father squandered their holdings and lands by allying themselves with Richard's father instead of Richard himself in the brief civil war.

"How true," Duke Leopold tapped his staff a few times, "very well then. I give you Le Celle's lands as your own."

Vaysey narrowed his eyes slightly as he saw Gisborne bowed his head once towards the Grand Master of the Knight Templars. He understood what was going on, what the Duke was trying to accomplish. By giving Gisborne land, he thought he could buy the man's loyalty and while most of the time it was true, Vaysey could not help but feel a little jealous. Gisborne was his, not someone to be pandered around, whose loyalties could be brought with just land. He was the one who had whispered power and unlimited wealth before the Duke came and handed him lands.

"Now, Sheriff," the Duke turned his gaze upon him again and Vaysey unconscious straightened, "what is your plan."

"Ah, well, it goes like this," he clasped his hands together and outlined the plan to the Duke and the Prince. It would be foolproof and there would be nothing Hood could do to stop him. Even if he tried, the sheer amount of guards around them would guarantee that they would not be able to reach the King in time.

"A fair plan," Prince John nodded his approval, "my brother always did love to examine the many facets of a story and yours would provide the convincing argument that he examine this."

"Thank you, Your Grace," he bowed his head slightly in deference to Prince John's approval. Here was the man who was set to be the next King of England and here was where the power lied. Not in French Norman lands nor anywhere in that in-bred land of filth were squabbles happened all the time. No, England was to be the new power-base and it would start with John ascending to the throne. Let the Duke enjoy his power in Austria, let him be the head of the Knight Templars, they had the weapon that could influence everyone, control the weak-minded populace.

Perhaps in time they could turn that control towards the Duke and then maybe the Prince would appoint him, Vaysey as the new leader of the Knight Templars. The thought made him a little dizzy for a second before he realized that the Duke was barking orders to the rest of whatever was left of his own Private Guard and Prince John was doing the same with some of his lieutenants.

Vaysey headed straight over to Gisborne, catching the man as he tried to leave and pulled him to the side. "Make sure you know where your loyalties lay, Gisborne," he hissed quietly.

"I know where they are," the man stared at him, affronted.

"Good, because I would hate to see that all you have is the promise of lands when it isn't even written down to be yours," he reminded him.

Gisborne stared at him for a moment before loosening his arm from his grasp, "You need not remind me." With that his second-in-command left and Vaysey stared at him as he exited the Great Hall. Unlimited power would soon be his, he could practically taste it. The Piece of Eden his carried with him that originally belonged to Le Celle pulsed its dark power in response.


NOTTINGHAM TOWN

They rode in, proud, tall, strong, like conquerors instead of prisoners. Robin rode by the King's left hand side, Carter by his right. The rest of the Private Guard filled in behind them. Robin Hood's men, Marian, and Altaїr rode behind the Guard and Geoffrey's patrol filled the back half of the small group. Each one of the rode proudly, and while Robin fought hard to keep the smile off of his face, he knew that the rest of his gang held no such reservations.

Each one of Prince John's patrol they had encountered in Sherwood Forest dared not lay a hand on them, and each outlying village they past by drew stares and murmurs of people as they saw not only the King, but Robin Hood riding with the King and Robin Hood's men smiling. Robin kept his archer's hood down so that the peasantry would recognize him as he rode into Nottingham, and it was only until the cheering started from the lower levels of the town that he finally allowed himself a rueful smile and glanced over to see Carter with a bemused look on his face.

The King only raised his hand up in a greeting which furthered the cheers as peasants ran from their houses, lining up on the streets, Prince John's own guards hard pressed to keep them at bay from charging towards the King and the group. The King sensing an opportunity to bask in the goodwill of the people he had never met slowed his horse down to a walk, and Robin moved his horse closer to make sure that if the peasantry did manage to break through, they would not be able to reach the King without some difficulty.

It seemed that the thrall that had enveloped the town days before had lifted and Robin was glad to see Nottingham as lively as possible, banners and streamers flying from houses and the walls of the town. However, he could not help but feel that Hadiya's Piece of Eden was still at work, if not in the town, but somewhere.

"Robin!" a familiar voice called out from the front of the crowd and he squinted to see who was calling him amongst the hands and cheering faces along the main street to the castle. "Robin!"

"Rowan!" he grinned as he spotted the young man trying to push his way past several guards, and Matthew and a healthier looking Terence behind him. He turned to the King who nodded once before the Prince's own guards allowed the young man to approach as they continued to walk the horses towards the castle.

"We are ready, Robin," Rowan replied breathlessly as Robin leaned down to listen to him, the roar of the crowd muffling most of his words from any eavesdroppers. "Just say the word..."

Robin nodded and glanced over to where the portcullis leading into the castle was drawing closer. "Just be ready," he said before Rowan moved back into the crowd. He did not want to endanger the young man anymore than he had by allowing him to come forward to talk with them. The Prince's guards would be watching him now – wondering what he had to do with the King and with a known outlaw.

"It's good to see you back Robin," Rowan replied before disappearing back into the crowd, Terence and Matthew following him to cover him as some of the Prince's soldiers stared at him with some interest in their eyes.

Straightening in his saddle and did not look at his King nor at Carter, but knew that his friend was staring at him, wondering what was that all about. There would be time later to explain. He would not put it past the Prince, the Sheriff, or even Gisborne to try to do something to his liege and lord. And if Leopold was still in Nottingham, then everything in the castle was a potential trap for his King.

"Make way for King Richard, Lord of the English lands and realms!" someone shouted in French as the portcullis was raised and they rode in.

Robin narrowed his eyes as he saw the sheer amount of guards dressed in Prince John's colors surrounding and lining the walls, their swords, shields, armor, and spears glistening as they lined up respectfully to greet the King. He could feel the unease of the others in the Private Guard as they also noticed the same thing, their mutual training registering and processing how many each could take on before the guards reached the King.

Every single one of these men, more so the archers lining the tops of the walls, was a potential threat to the King and he did not like it.

"That's a lot..." he heard Allan's hoarse whisper before he trailed off as the King halted to a stop in front of the steps that led down from the main steps of the castle. There were several sheets of white piled upon a cart filled with some hay in a corner of the courtyard, but Robin didn't pay much attention to it.

"Your Grace," Prince John's voice spoke from the top of the steps and Robin looked up to see the Prince surrounded by his retinue, the Sheriff and Gisborne amongst them. However, he did not see Leopold or his Guards and wondered if the Duke had left for London. Pushing the thought aside, he focused on Gisborne and the Sheriff, noting that the Sheriff in particular had a sour look on his face while Gisborne all but ignored him.

"Prince John," the King dismounted from his horse and Robin and the others did the same, "we are pleased you have welcomed us in such fashion after our successful Crusade against the heathens of Salah al-Din and the Saracens."

"Anything for you, my brother," the Prince walked down the steps, his arms spread out to show that he held no weapons even though he had his sword hanging by his side. "However I must advise you as it is my place to do so that you travel with traitors."

"Traitors?" the King replied, his tone mild.

Robin met the Prince's withering look evenly and kept his hand on his sword as he stood one step behind the King as was his place to do so. "You travel," the Prince's words were directed at him and he could hear the venom in them, "with the infamous outlaw Robin Hood. His gang have caused the deaths of many within Nottinghamshire and his lies havoc amongst the English realm."

"Oh?" the King looked mildly interested, "and pray tell, dear brother of mine, whom is this Robin Hood?"

The Prince's nasty smile froze on his face before he reluctantly pointed to Robin. "Him, brother."

Robin met his King's glance as he turned slightly and saw his King actually fighting to smile too before smoothing his face out as he turned back to his brother, "You accuse my Captain of my Private Guard of being this Robin Hood?"

"Yes," was the Prince's flat reply as he realized that his ploy was going no where before a knowing look appeared on his face and Robin frowned, suddenly feeling uneasy. "We have several witnesses who can verify that this man killed Sir Edward Fitzwalter, the previous Sheriff of Nottingham." What he had thought was the Prince's downfall and expressions were only a ploy to make him feel relaxed and think that perhaps they had won. No, something even more sinister was at work here.

"Sire-"

"Do you now, brother?" the King stepped forward, ignoring Robin as he tried to warn his King that something wasn't right. "I have heard serious accusations leveled against your confederates and yourself and here you are, leveling accusations against a man that had proven himself a hero in the Holy Lands."

"He," the Prince glared at Robin, "is an outlaw. One who has defied the laws you have created for this land and for governance of the people. He has killed many men in the past year all because they had tried to protect the populace and enforce the law. He has incited revolt against your rule and leadership and has brought highwaymen, bandits to terrorize and harass the populace. He has even encouraged theses acts from other nobles within the English realm by subverting justice. They have seen your rule to be weak and have made grabs to the lands that are in your throne."

The King was silent for a moment before nodding once, "Your words are true brother." Robin blinked in surprise. He could not believe that the King was actually agreeing with the accusations leveled against him. But then again, this was the King's own flesh and blood, and a Prince's accusations were serious indeed. He had heard rumors of nobles in the other lands who were spurred on by his acts of rebellion against the tyranny of the land. The King did not explicitly say that he had forgiven him, but rather wanted his side of the story.

Robin recognized that the King was looking at all sides of the story, much like when he had wanted Robin's report into the dealings of Robert de Sable. He had taken de Sable's reports and compared it against his own before coming to his own conclusion when Altaїr had first arrived in the midst of the Battle of Arsuf Plains. That had resulted in the Grand Master of the Knight Templars' death and had sent Robin on the path to eventually becoming friends with the master assassin.

However, he trusted his King and had faith in him. Somehow he always knew that he would have to answer to what he had done, who he had killed. He had broken the laws of the land by becoming an outlaw. And the King would be fair in his judgment. Captain of the Guard or no, he was still an outlaw, still Robin Hood. Robin of Locksley did not exist anymore the day he had shot Will, Luke, and Benedict down from the hangman's noose and Robin Hood was born.

"These accusations and witnesses," the King started, "you are willing to present them to us right now?"

Robin suppressed a smile at the surprised look on the Prince's face before he nodded. "Uh, yes, yes, Your Grace." The King had an expectant look before the Prince took another step down the stairs. "Your Grace, I...uh, do not want harm to befall these witnesses from Robin Hood or his men-" He gestured vaguely towards the door of the castle.

"Milord, I do not think-" both Robin and Carter spoke up at the same time, moving towards him, but stopped as the King held up a hand.

"We shall hear these accusations," the King looked at him, his eyes stern before stepping forward and headed up the steps. Robin made a move to follow, but was prevented by two guards who had stepped forward.

"Milord we should be there-"

"I wish to hear these accusations alone," his King looked at Robin, stopping him from advancing before continuing up the steps alone. The uneasy feeling Robin had grew stronger as every fiber of his being told him not to leave the King alone. He saw Prince John follow his brother into the castle. However, the Sheriff and Gisborne stayed outside, confusing him. Why would the Prince leave either one of them outside when he knew that one of them had the Piece of Eden...unless the Prince took it from one of them!

He stepped back from the stairs, as the rest of the guards surrounding them settled themselves in their positions. He knew that they would not be harmed, at least not yet, not while the King was inside talking with his brother. However, if the Prince did have Hadiya's partial Piece of Eden then they needed to do something. The Sheriff and Gisborne were out here which meant that they had been placed to keep an eye on them, to make sure that they did not do anything rash.

The Sheriff probably commanded the Prince's forces that surrounded them. As Robin looked around him, he saw how the archers along the walls were relaxed, but ready to shoot if the need arose.

"Robin..." Carter's whisper of his name made him turn slightly towards him, all the while seeing both the Sheriff and Gisborne's hawkish gaze upon him, watching his every move.

"We need to get inside," he murmured in Arabic as he turned his back to the two and gestured for his gang to come closer.

"Why?"

"I think the Prince may have the partial Piece of Eden," he replied.

"Plotting something again, Hood? Another jail break?" the Sheriff suddenly called out, and Robin turned slightly, giving the most sardonic smile he could manage.

"Always," he replied before turning back around to address his gang. He saw that Tomas and the rest of the Private Guard had not approached, but rather were standing loosely, their postures attentively listening to what he had to say.

"How much black powder do you have?" he asked Djaq, who blushed at the surprised looks from Carter and Altaїr.

"I, uh-"

"Djaq, I know you stole the ledger out of the fire and I know you made some and gave it to Rowan," he said and she smiled sheepishly.

"Not enough to take out all of the soldiers," she replied, gesturing with her head to the small pack on her horse.

"Is it enough to create a distraction?"

"Y-Yes," she blinked.

"Much, I need you to find Rowan and tell him that it's time," he said.

"But Master, what-"

"Just tell him," he shook his head, "he'll know what to do."

"But I can't just open the portcullis..."

"Blow a hole in it," Allan shrugged as everyone looked at him, "what?"

"Do it," Robin shook his head, cutting off all comments by the others, "we need to get into the castle-"

"Robin there may be another way," Marian shook her head, "I can ask Sir Guy-"

"No, absolutely not," he did not want Marian anywhere near Guy, not after all that had happened.

"Let me try, at least," she shook her head stubbornly, "let me at least...get the chance to say goodbye to my father." The latter half of her words were barely above a whisper and he felt a pang of pain in his heart as she withdrew into herself.

He sighed, biting his lip as he shook his head. "Fine," he would at least allow her that much. He owed it to Edward's memory and his hope for their future. She was still grieving and if things did not go as planned, perhaps she would be out of the way, safe and protected inside the castle walls.

She briefly touched his arm before moving away from them, headed to talk to Gisborne.

"Robin..."

"Get the black powder and create the distraction," he ordered Djaq who nodded and using two of the Private Guard, who had moved towards the small group as a shield, slipped to her horse's saddle to grab whatever black powder she had with her.

"Wait, aren't we letting Marian-"

His glare towards Allan was all that shut the other man up before Djaq came back and handed out the small tubes of black powder to the others. Robin shook his head as the Saracen woman tried to give him one. "They'll be watching me closely."

"Then what are we supposed to do with these?" Little John asked, holding up two tubes of black powder.

"Juggle them?" Will suggested.

"Juggle? That's well, um," Much looked a little ill at the prospect.

"Here, give me that," Carter took the tube from Much's hand before glancing over to Altaїr, "knives?"

Robin saw Altaїr give Carter a long look before pulling three knives from his belt and handed them over to him. He was a bit curious as he saw Carter step away from the group, deftly hiding the black powder tube from the watchful eyes of everyone as he approached Tomas and clapped him on the shoulder, making small conversation. Tomas apparently played along well and Robin grinned before moving towards young Ollie who stood closest to where Marian was now talking to Guy.

The rest of his gang took it as their cue to disperse as they all watched Carter now to see what he would do. Robin had faith in his friend and instead, listened to the exchange between Marian and Gisborne.

"Sir..." Ollie shifted on his feet as he stood next to him.

"Easy, Oliver," he replied quietly.

"Sir Guy, please," Marian was saying, "I would like to see my father's body."

"I'm sorry, but I cannot allow that," Gisborne sounded reluctant which surprised Robin. The last time he and the man had talked, he had been convinced that Gisborne had chosen a darker path to walk, but perhaps he had been wrong... "You are an outlaw now and are not awarded the right to anything-"

"Guy, you know it is me," Marian sounded like she was about to burst into tears and Robin wanted to go and comfort her, but it would solve nothing and it was most definitely prevent Gisborne from acceding to her request. "Even if I am an outlaw, that's my father...he..."

"Marian," Gisborne sounded resigned, "I cannot."

"Why not?"

"Because no one can enter," Gisborne pursed his lips together before shaking his head, "I am sorry Marian-"

The jolting sound of a small explosion cut through their conversation and all turned to see Carter blinking and waving a hand away from a small cloud of smoke that had once been a makeshift target, Tomas, Harry, and Daniel coughing lightly from the smoke. Several of the Prince's soldiers were also coughing. Robin realized that Carter had used the three knives to show off to the others, even though the Private Guard knew he was good, he was doing it for the benefit of the Prince's soldiers, to distract them with the first three knives thrown before throwing the black powder tube, small enough to be the size of a knife.

"What is going on?" the Sheriff immediately headed down the stairs, pushing his way past the guards.

Robin looked towards the portcullis was and saw Altaїr discreetly blocking another small cloud of smoke in one of the corners of the portcullis by leading his horse around. Much must have been told to take advantage of the distraction that Carter had created to slip through to get Rowan.

"Is it customary to hide explosives where a guest of the Sheriff of Nottingham would be able to harm himself?" there were only a handful of times that Robin had ever witnessed Carter using the full force of his position and title, so to watch him whirl around and step forward before the Sheriff could assert himself was quite entertaining.

"I, uh," the Sheriff was taken aback, but Carter barreled over his attempt to say anything else.

"I am appalled at the state of things here, Sheriff of Nottingham," the Knight Templar continued, "the severe lack of discipline and the way your soldiers hold themselves. Why are there no patrols out there? Do you plan to horde all of your soldiers in here? Fearing retaliation against these outlaws you so fear?"

"Now see here-"

"No, you see here Sheriff," Carter crossed his arms across his chest, "I will be having words with the King when he is finished looking through the evidence. The state of the shire is of great concern to him."

Robin tried to suppress the snickers that threatened to come out as he saw Vaysey actually cowed by Carter's words before he drew himself up and shot his most imperious look at the Knight Templar.

"And who, would you be? Hmm? One of the Private Guard? Taking Robin Hood's place when he came crawling back from the Holy Lands?"

"That would be Captain Robin of Locksley to you, not Robin Hood," Carter drew himself up, a dangerous glint in his eye, "and I am Captain Carter of Tulane of the Fifth Column of the King's own forces, Knight Templar."

Robin saw the Sheriff pale at the mention of Carter's last title and knew that it was visible proof that he had been colluding with Leopold, or at least some faction of the Knight Templars. The hasty smile the Sheriff suddenly gave to Carter belied his nervousness, "Ah, well, forgive me. I did not recognize a fellow esteemed member of your Order-"

"Flattery will get you no where, Sheriff," Carter shot a withering look at him before the distant roar of many people was heard and his friend casually turned his head to stare at the portcullis, "and it seems the lack of discipline from your own soldiers is infectious. Oh look, a populace revolt." Just as the words fell from his mouth the portcullis leading into the castle ground rattled on its hinges.

Robin grinned as the guards and soldiers around them shuffled nervously as the portcullis shook again, and he saw Geoffrey's men backing up, along with the rest of his gang, letting the Prince's soldiers take point.

"This is it sir," Ollie whispered next to him, his hand on his sword, ready to draw as soon as the gates broke, "good luck."

"Godspeed to you too," he muttered as he hurried away from him and inched towards the main door into the castle. He saw Carter also casually making his way towards him and slipping past the distracted soldiers who did not even pay any attention to him because of his deceptive priestly-looking robes was Altaїr. If any of them could make it in to rescue the King from whatever nefarious plans his brother had for him, then he would trust his life with the two of them.

"Robin," Little John fell into step next to him.

"John stay out here with the others. We'll handle it inside and as soon as we get the King out, make sure that the others are ready to go. We make for London," he ordered quietly, as the gates continued to shake. Tomas who had been standing next to John also nodded before slipping away to relay his orders to the others. He did not see Marian, but hoped that she would realize what was happening. He knew that his gang would not leave without her, knowing that out of everyone in the group, she was the one the Sheriff would most likely use to get to him. They would protect her, he was sure of it.

"Brace the gate! I don't want anyone-" the Sheriff's orders were cut short as the portcullis suddenly gave a huge groan then splintered into a million pieces as it exploded, sending shards of wood everywhere. The smell of black powder filled the air as the roar of the peasantry from Nottingham and from the villages within the shire engulfed the courtyard.

"Now!" Robin shouted as he drew his sword and shoved two of the Prince's guards away from him, charging up the steps. He did not look behind him as he swung his sword this way and that, blocking and pushing the guards away. Chaos erupted around him, the screams and war cries of the Private Guard and his gang filled the air, mingling with the angry roar of a populace who was sick and tired of the Sheriff's ill treatment of them.

He blocked another blade angled towards him and moved to block his left when his sword clanged against another one and Robin looked up to see Carter who had also moved to block his blade, before grinning at his friend and together they kicked two of the Prince's guards away. Carter grabbed at the handle of the door as Altaїr leapt down from whatever perch he had been on, his hidden blade buried deep in the neck of a soldier.

Robin nodded and Carter opened the door and together the three of them slipped into the castle.


As soon as the big heavy doors closed behind them, silence reigned, the sounds of the chaos outside muffled. Several thumps rattled the door, but no one came through, but Robin continued to hold his sword aloft, wary for any more soldiers that may have been waiting inside.

"The most likely place for the King to be held at..."

"The Great Hall," Robin replied to Carter's not-quite question, "come on." He was about to take the lead when Altaїr tugged on his chainmail, stopping him. "What is it?"

"Leopold carries with him the Piece of Eden that you carry a part of," the assassin warned him quietly and Robin ignored the raised eyebrows Carter shot at him at finding out the secret only a handful of others knew.

"So? Mine is just a partial Piece-"

"He carries the full Piece of Eden, an ornate staff. I did not see it amongst the guards that were slain in the initial ambush back in the outskirts of Sherwood Forest, which meant that he has it upon himself."

"Come on, if he's smart enough, he would have been in London now-"

"If you had the chance to influence the fabled King of the Crusades, would you be waiting in London?" the master assassin challenged him and Robin narrowed his eyes.

"Why didn't you tell me this earlier?" he hissed, a little more than angry.

The assassin met his gaze evenly, "My concern is Leopold. Not King Richard, not any of this." The implied statement to leave Leopold to him was not lost on Robin as he nodded once, his anger slowly fading. He understood where his friend was coming from – after all, he did not have to help them nor did he have to help protect Marian in his absence, but he did so because while it was convenient, it was also a gesture of friendship.

"The Great Hall is this way," he gestured roughly with his sword to the direction they were going in, showing that he forgave Altaїr, but he also understood his intent.

As they slipped deeper into the castle, the sounds of battle slowly died away though the occasional rumble still meant that someone was still throwing black powder this way and that. It was a reassuring sound that told Robin his men and the peasants that had risen up to fight for Nottingham and King Richard were still battling out there. However, the deeper they went, the more Robin's worry increased from the lack of guards, even in the halls that he knew led both to the dungeons and to the Sheriff's own private quarters.

"Where are the guards?" Carter muttered uneasily as they came upon the doors that would lead into the Great Hall.

"Robin," Altaїr suddenly pointed with the tip of his sword towards his boot and Robin saw that it was glowing faintly, right where he had kept his partial Piece of Eden.

"Oh no," the uneasiness he had been feeling exploded into outright dread as he pushed open the door and ran into the Great Hall, skidding to a stop at the sight he saw. "Your Majesty!" he shouted, horror filling him at the sight of the King standing in the middle of the room, seemingly enveloped in a sickening glow, swaying a little. "Your Majesty!" he shouted again and saw Duke Leopold stare up at them before gesturing curtly with his arm as several well-armed and dressed guards ran up the stairs towards them, intent on stopping them.

"No you don't," he muttered as he hefted his sword and leapt down from the top of the entrance, bypassing the stairs. He landed heavily and rolled to his feet sword held aloft before attacking the guard nearest to him.

He felt nauseated as he tried not to stare at the sickening glow that enveloped his King. He saw that the source of the glow came from a small object in Prince John's hand, the younger of the two brothers with a sadistically delighted smile on his face. He heard Carter's shout of anger behind him as he also leapt down from the top before several gurgled screams told him that Altaїr had joined in the fray.

Robin slashed wide, catching the guard he had been fighting across his stomach, spilling his guts across the floor as he folded to the ground, trying to save himself from so much blood lost. However, Robin kicked him viciously in the head, and brought his sword up to parry another blow that was aimed at his shoulder. He let the anger of what was happening to his King fill him and punched the man in the face. However this guard was smart and dodged his blow before retaliating with his own mace.

Ducking under the spiked metal ball, he pulled out his dagger and quickly stabbed him in the chest, killing him. How dare they attack his King, to try to twist and turn him like they had tried to him a little over a year ago in Acre? Robin launched continued to work his way through the attacking Guards, noting that they were a lot more well trained than the Prince's own guards on the outskirts of Nottingham. These were men who had fought in the Crusades, men like him and he knew he could show no mercy to them.

He let loose a war cry before slashing this way and that, sending blood into the air. What blades he could turn in time struck him only glancing blows, but Robin ignored the pain of his shallow wounds as he slowly made his way towards his King. Out of the corner of his eyes, he saw both Carter and Altaїr expertly work their way through the Germanic soldiers, the three of them working in concert in order to get closer to the King. He flipped a soldier over his own body, stabbing him in the neck with his curved blade before ripping his dagger across the man's face, felling him. No mercy for what was done here today. No mercy for the Knight Templar who sought to corrupt his King and no mercy for the Prince of the realm who sought his brother's lands by capturing him.

Something within him told him that what was happening was wrong, but he quashed that part ruthlessly. It was not wrong to protect the King, to kill those who would harm him.

"For England!" the words came unbidden to his lips and were echoed by Carter as the two of them fought back-to-back, Altaїr flitting a dance of death with both his short blade and hidden one.

"S-Stop...stop them! Stop them!" Leopold's panicked shout only made a smile appear on Robin's lips as he knew that they were getting closer and closer. He wiped the sweat and blood out from his eyes as he continued forward, his blade singing its terrible song of death, coating it further and further into the blood of the Guards that were determined to stop them.

The darkness that was within him laughed at the carnage he was wringing, at the destruction and death of so many. He laughed along with it; Altaїr was right, his footwork had been shoddy, his time spent in the calmness of being an outlaw atrophied his skills. But not anymore...now was the time to use those skills to protect the King, protect those that would harm him, harm the ones that he had loved-

"Enough!" Altaїr's voice suddenly reverberated through the air, shattering Robin's concentration as he buried his blade into the thigh of a screaming Guard-

Robin drew in a sharp breath as he blinked and straightened something seemingly snapping into place in his mind, suddenly awakening with a bright light. Where was he- what was he doing- what...what happened? The stuttering breath of someone in front of him made him look down to see that his blade was still embedded into the Guard's leg, the light in the man's eyes slowly fading as he breathed his last and hung limply on his blade.

Horror filled him as he shook the soldier's body off of his blade. What had he done...? What... He looked around him to see everyone shaking their heads as if coming out of a trance of sorts. The mutilated bodies of those that had fallen earlier carpeted the ground, staining the wooden floors black with their blood.

"No!" Leopold's strangled cry made Robin look up to see the Grand Master of the Knight Templar suddenly flee, a glowing staff in his hand.

"No, wait- Altaїr!" Robin called to his friend as the assassin suddenly rushed past him and set off in pursuit of the fleeing Duke.

"Get them!" Sheriff Vaysey's voice spoke from the top of the stairs and Robin turned to see more soldiers racing down the stairs.

"The King!" Robin turned to see his King picking himself up groggily from the floor. Across from him Prince John still laid on the ground, seemingly unconscious, the partial Piece of Eden that had been glowing from his hand nowhere in sight. He hurried over to help the King up and Carter assisting him as the two of them faced the remnants of the Duke's guards and the fresh reinforcements the Sheriff brought with him.

He realized that Altaїr must have done something to break the spell the Piece of Eden's hold on them as they had fought. His friend was right in saying that the Duke held the staff Piece of Eden. Shoving the thought to the side of the implications of what had almost happened, what he had almost fell into again, he hefted his blade warily, his breath coming in quick short gasps.

"We need to get the King out of here," Carter muttered next to him as they kept their grips tight on the King's arms, all the while inching towards the lower set of doors that led to a different way out of the castle.

"W-What..."

"Your Majesty, we need to get out of here," Robin replied in French to his King's groggy confusion. He glanced at Carter and shook his head, "Get the King out of here. I'll hold the guards."

"What? Are you insane! I don't even know-"

"Corridor to the right after the doors, head straight and it will loop back to the main halls," he replied curtly before roughly shoving the two of them away and flourished his sword, stepping forward.

"Robin-"

"Carter do it!" he ordered just as the first enterprising guard attacked.

He heard Carter scrambling behind him as he leapt forward and slashed the tip of his blade across the man's throat and spun around to counter another one. Letting his boots slide across the wet floor, he knocked his whole body into a mess of the Prince's guards and allowed himself a grim smile to see that he had toppled most of them to the ground before getting to his feet and hurried out the door that Carter had exited.

He had told Carter to leave, but he also did not want to linger in the room filled with so much death. Fighting back a wave of nausea that threatened to engulf him as he remembered the last time he had done such a thing, he hurried down the corridor, the Sheriff's aggravated shouts echoing in the Great Hall before the thundering of boots along the stone corridor told him that he was being followed.

The directions he had given to Carter did not lead back to the main corridors, but rather it led to the kitchens, a safer way out of the castle than through the main doors. The occasional rumble pounded against the castle told him that his gang and the others were still holding their own and he breathed a quick sigh of relief.

"Over here!" he saw some of the Prince's guards entering the hall he was in and waved towards them before they skidded to a stop and turned to follow him.

He would lead them on a chase away from Carter and the King to give them time to escape. After all, Nottingham castle's halls were very familiar to him.

"After him!" several of the guards shouted as Robin ran quickly towards the main doors. He arrived shortly and glanced at the double heavy oak doors that rattled against their hinges. Already there were several pockmarks in the door and arrows that pierced the whole of the wood, making him wonder what was going on outside. He wrenched open the door, leaping to the side as it fell to the floor, its hinges finally collapsing under so much abuse.

Day light spilled into the darkened area and what greeted Robin was a sight he thought could only exist in Acre. The courtyard of Nottingham castle had become a war-torn battlefield.


Carter of Tulane followed his King as he had regained his wits and senses shortly after they had escaped the Great Hall. "Milord, I do not think that this idea-"

"Quiet, Carter," the King of England silenced him with a slash of his hand, "we are not pleased with what has happened."

"Yes, even so, it is not-"

"When we wish your advice, we will ask for it," his King cut him off as he drew out his sword and stalked forward, passing by pots and pans of what looked like a kitchen.

"Robin's going to kill me," he muttered as he followed his King. His friend had never seen the King angry, had never seen him furious. But Carter had and when King Richard the Lionhearted got angry, one never wanted to be around to feel his wrath and learn why he had the epithet of Lionhearted.

"Our brother," Richard seethed out loud, "how could he? How could he do such a thing?" More colorful words emerged from the King's mouth that Carter could only imagine that perhaps he had learned from Salah al-Din or even King Phillip of France when the two signed their treaty so long ago.

"Milord that is why we need to leave this place. To regroup-"

"We will not leave," the King spun around and stared at him with a shrewd look, "we will rectify this situation. And we will be victorious."

"A-As you wish," Carter knew that he could not dissuade the King anymore as he marched out of the kitchens and held his sword up high. He could only follow and pray that the King would not get himself killed for what he was going to do.

"VICTORY!" the King shouted charging into the fray and Carter lifted his sword up to follow.


Author's Notes:

No historical notes to add, just a little character note. King Richard was famous for riding in the battle with his men, leading the charge and making sure that his men saw him actually fighting on the battlefield instead of hanging in the back like many rulers did. This is also what made him immensely popular amongst those that fought in the Third Crusade – to the point where King Phillip of France and Duke Leopold V of Austria were jealous of his popularity. His seemingly reckless charges onto the battlefield also got him eventually killed in 1199 while he was leading raids against a French noble's lands.

Richard was also a strategist and both he and Salah al-Din were like kindred spirits in terms of battlefield prowess. The two even sent goodwill to each other whenever they were not fighting.

Altaїr's sparring session with Robin is a little shout out to Solace of Silence's last chapter when the two would fight. It is also my attempt to show that Robin's skills as a soldier, like any other who is not constantly on the battlefield anymore, atrophies in a somewhat noticeable manner. However, with Robin being an outlaw, he has kept some of the skills up, but not the skills he needs to protect the King and do what he needs to do to protect his friends. Plus it was an excuse for me to say Altaїr kicked his butt once again…

See you all next chapter!