Author's Note: I decided I owe it to you guys to get Gisbourne back to England, which really means typing a few sentences and hitting post. Still, it's where this story was going to end anyway, though the rest has yet to be written. I'd also like to shed a bit of light on the explosive arguments that happened a few chapters ago. Do I honestly believe that they hadn't dealt with any of that before Gisbourne regained consciousness, or even on the ship to the Holy Land? No, but there's something about an enemy in the camp that just puts people on edge. Because everyone was nervous, they argued and lashed out. Anyway, here we go again…
"Lads, I have a plan."
It was dark, exactly five days later, and freezing cold. So far, Robin and Djaq had both tried and failed several times over to solicit passage to England. They had Harold, five sailors in what was supposed to be a tavern, and exactly no way to go anywhere. Still, Robin had a plan.
"No you don't," Allan answered pessimistically.
"You're right, I don't have a plan." Allan was almost certain his heart stopped, Much looked even more skittish than usual, and Will seemed not to register what had been said.
"But," Robin continued. "I do have an idea. Do you see that ship over there? The small one," he clarified. Harold and Allan both nodded. "It's full of slaves and traders headed for England. I overheard them talking earlier. If we can board the ship and free the slaves, there's our passage back to England."
Carter and Gisbourne, due to their wounds, were to stay ashore in the tavern while Marian bargained with the five unemployed seamen. The rest of the Gang armed themselves and quietly boarded the ship.
Allan and Will quickly took out those on watch, while Robin, Much, and Little John went below deck to free the slaves. Unfortunately, it was at that moment that a sailor stumbled drunkenly onto deck. Harold knocked him out, but the accompanying sound roused the other sailors who, to reasons unknown to anyone else, naturally assumed they were under attack and came out on deck with their weapons ready. Normally, this wouldn't have been a problem, except for the fact that they were on a boat. Allan deflected a blow with his sword, but lost his footing as the ship moved slightly, sending him crashing to the ground where he narrowly avoided having his head stuck through. Meanwhile, Will found himself being strangled against the mast with his own axe. He kicked out at his attacker, sending the man sprawling, quickly followed by a splash as Allan helped him overboard. Only Harold seemed to be doing fine, his feet practically dancing across the ship as he fought the attackers. Before long, there were only two men left, and they didn't seem ready to surrender. Two arrows thudded into the slaver's chests' as Djaq fired her bow from the dock. The second man seemed unaffected by it, and worse still, was actually pretty good with a sword. If Allan had to guess, he'd say the man was used to battle. None of that mattered too much as he found himself literally flying across the deck, the boat having moved at the exact moment he was knocked back. Two more arrows found flesh, yet still he continued. Luckily, it was at that moment Little John reached the deck. The three of them minus Allan all charged at once from different angles. Will and Harold engaged the man's swords, while one blow from Little John knocked him out cold. Later, as the slaves were led off the ship, freed, Allan examined the formidable man's corpse.
"He cheated," Will looked bemused.
"Naw, really, look. 'is waistcoat was thick enough to block the arrows, " Allan explained, lifting the clothing article to prove his point. "Actually, those are nice clothes, aren't they? Made outta leather or something'."
Meanwhile, Robin stood outside the tavern, talking to the leader of the five sailors.
"So, you think you can use it?"
"Might need one more man, but yes, we can sail her. Your money's gonna have to be worth it for the boys, though." The man smiled slightly. "I have always been planning on going back there myself, actually. I traveled around for too long, it seems." The two men shook hands, and Robin turned to board the boat, the rest of its passengers already aboard. He turned back.
"I don't think I ever got your name. Mine's Robin Hood."
"Archer."
