Part 6.

The gang and Friedrich sat round an oval table, upon it lay a model of Henry's castle and fortress. It made the Count's palace seem insignificant in comparison and they all shared a look, with a feeling which last materialised in their hearts when they tried to get into Vasey's strong room. This fortress was built on a higher mountain than where they were now and was at least three times the size.

"They are holding him in the dungeons." Friedrich explained.

"Not a tower? I was hoping for a tower," said Much thinking of bats and shuddered.

The Count shook his head. "No they have him here," and he pointed to the deepest and furthest dungeon from daylight and other humanity.

Robin sighed. "Right we have to think of a way to get in. Can you get us in?" he said directing the question to Friedrich. "Hang on I have a plan."

"You all want to go in? Is that wise? Should not some of us be waiting outside or in the grounds at the very least? Henry's army is far more gruesome and fierce than any I have seen on English soil." Friedrich replied.

"How many soldiers or guards can we expect to encounter?" asked Will, looking at the battlements.

"One hundred at the very least I fear."

Marian inhaled sharply at the revelation, this was going to be a far more dangerous undertaking than they had ever attempted before, and Robin shot her a look, "I am alright," she whispered.

Robin shook his head. "I do not think we all can go into the dungeon, so no."

"What do you suggest? Please don't tell me you intend some fearless heroics by going in there alone?" Much asked, with horror in his timbre.

"No I was thinking, you and I could go in there together."

"Me! You! What?" Much spluttered.

"Friedrich can pretend that we are his prisoners whom he wants incarcerated in the safest dungeon in the country. Underneath our clothing we will disguise our weapons and tools to free the King from his irons. John, Allan and Will can pose as guards who belong to the Count."

"And what about me and Marian?" asked Djaq seriously.

Robin smiled and replied. "Well it would be fitting that you are guests of the Count and have come along for the entertainment of it all."

"Oh, you mean I have to wear a dress?" she asked.

"That would probably be best," Robin said with a glimmer of amusement.

"Very well, I can manage that for a day or two." She conceded.

"Marian?" asked Robin for confirmation of her role in the plan, much as he hated the thought of her flirting with the Count again, it was imperative they rescued the King as soon as possible.

"Yes, we will proceed with your plan."

"Good."

0o0

Gisborne had spent longer than he had intended with Phillip of France rode through the gates of Henry VI Palace to see how the King was getting alone with the mice and rats. He was given instantaneous access to the dungeons which were heavily manned by soldiers and he peeped through the spy hole of the King's cell. It was a cramped room and the King sat with his back against the wall his head on his knees. He was chained by his wrists and ankles to the walls and Gisborne laughed to himself. No one would get the King of England out of here however hard they tried.