On the Way to an Easier Life
Chapter 21
The crowd began to disperse. Robin and the gang walked slowly with the crowds, not trying to keep pace.
"Robin, what are you waiting for?" asked Much.
"We have to get into the castle."
"I'm not bein' funny, lads, but the entrances are all blocked by the king's guard."
They all looked around, trying to come up with a plan, when all of a sudden, Much became excited.
"Robin! Look!"
"At what, Much?"
"Do you see those two guards on the far side of the main doors?" Robin looked in the direction that Much was talking about. "Is that not Carter standing over there?"
"So it is, Much! Good work. You all stay here."
Robin slowly made his way over to where Carter, one of the king's guards that he and Much had fought with in Acre, was standing. With his hood over his head, Robin bumped into the man. As he apologized and got Carter's attention, he looked out from under his hood.
"Robin! Is that really you?"
"Hello, Carter."
"It is good to see you, my friend."
"And you as well.", Robin smiled. "I find I am in need of your help, Carter. Would you help me?"
"What is it you need from me?"
"I need to speak with the king."
"I don't know about that Robin."
"It is important. He may be in danger."
"He is surrounded by guards. We are everywhere."
"Please. I cannot tell you how important this is."
"I'll see what I can do. Wait here."
After a few moments, Carter motioned for him to come. He in turn motioned for the gang to come as well.
"We cannot go in the front entrance. We must go in the side doors. I have cleared a path to get through.", Carter reported. He escorted the four of them to the entrance on the west side of the castle.
"What is this all about, Robin?"
"All in good time.", he replied.
He led them to the king's private quarters. "Wait here while I see if he will see you." When he returned, he took Robin and the gang into a very large room. After a minute, the king entered.
"Your Majesty.", said Robin reverently as he bowed. The others bowed as well.
"Robin. It is good to see you made it home." He also addressed Much.
Just as Robin was starting to speak, the sheriff walked around the corner and appeared behind the king.
"Ahhh! Hood! How nice of you to drop in and visit.", sneered Vaisey. "You see, your Majesty, I told you he would come."
"Your Majesty, whatever he has told you……", Robin began.
"Robin, I am sorry it has come to this.", said Richard.
"WHAT?", cried Much. "But, you do not understand."
"Where is the rest of your little gang, Hood? Hmmm?"
Robin just glared at Vaisey.
"Guards!", shouted Vaisey with a huge smile on his face. "Take our guests to the dungeon."