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Part 25
Marian scanned the faces of the other occupants of the room; they were still at the Inn, in Will and Djaq's chamber, having a meeting about their next strategic move. The previous night at Jarrick's house the trio had found by accident in a dark corner, Robin's small knife and overheard where his current location was. They all, bar Rashid had identical expressions written across their faces and Marian was glad they were all united in their assignment to bring him back safely.
"We have to go to this Osama's home then." She finally decided, after John and the others told the group that they had heard it mentioned that Robin, the veteran English crusader was there.
"It is not that simple," John said scratching the back of his head. "We found his home; it is unlike any other I have ever seen."
"It is the home of someone with money, with influence and with a lot of guards and servants to do his bidding." Djaq clarified.
"You can not go," Much said turning to Marian.
"Why?" she asked, ready to put her foot down, there was no way on earth they were leaving her behind.
"It is too dangerous, if you die…again…"
"Much. I am not going to die." She implored.
"Yes, well, we thought that last time and look what happened." he retorted.
"No what did happen?" she asked innocently. He shot her a look which said he too had promised Djaq he would let her remember by herself.
"Let's not argue about that, lets just rescue him and then get out of here," Allan stated.
"Get out of where?" asked Much.
"The Holy Land, I knew we would land in trouble if we left England again and I was right."
"You did not have to come along," Much told him haughtily.
"I was hardly going to let you come alone with Little John and LJ now was I?"
"Why? Would your presence make any difference?" Much threw back at him.
"Shut up!" Djaq shouted waving her hands for extra effect. "This is getting us nowhere."
"We need to know the layout and servant's movements and things like that," Will said, getting the conversation back to the rescue operation.
"And how are we going to do that?" asked Allan. "I am not volunteering to ask for work as a servant."
"If I may say something." Said Rashid, butting into the conversation.
"I think you have said enough already," said Much who understood some of what the man said and in this instance was referring to the information he had given away for Robin to have been taken from them.
"I can help," Rashid added ignoring Much.
"How?" asked Djaq, sharing a shrug and look with the gang.
"My uncle he worked for Osama, he has retired, he will help you get in and find your Robin of Locksley." He replied, having since betraying them found himself unexplainably contrite, maybe it was because the Angel of Hope had seemed so distressed.
"Where can we find him?" asked Will.
"I can take you there."
"Very well," Will nodded. "Let us go."
--
They wove their way swiftly through the streets of Haifa, choosing to stick together. Rashid and Will led, at the front of the line and Little John brought up the rear, making sure that Marian kept up with them all.
At a run down dwelling Rashid hammered on the door. A wizened woman opened it and welcomed him with open arms. Then she noticed his companions and the fact he was tied to one of them. She gabbled away so fast that Djaq had trouble keeping up with what she uttered. Finally after some explanation from Rashid, the little old woman pulled all of her guests into the house.
The home was a one room dwelling and now overcrowded, they sat down on the dusty floor wherever they was a space and were introduced to Samir, Rashid's Uncle.
"We need a layout of the mansion," Djaq explained. "We need to get in, find our leader and then make a hasty retreat."
Samir nodded. "Then your best way in is to waylay the laundry men who enter every week on a Thursday, you can hide your leader amongst the dirty washing and get him out of there alive."
"I'm not being funny but Thursday's tomorrow." Allan said.
"Good," said Marian. "We need him out of there and with us….with me."
If anyone noticed her last comment it was not replied to as they listened to Samir. He explained about the layout of the home and where the men stood guard, where Robin was likely to be held, and their chances of all getting out of there alive.
First thing the following morning the gang, including Rashid and Samir watched from a distance as the laundry men walked down a nearby alley. Samir had provided Djaq and Marian and Little Little John with some appropriate clothing. John nodded and Allan, Will, Djaq and Much took out the men with solid blows to their heads. Clothes were exchanged and then the men were tied and bound were dragged into a dark corner.
Posed as the usual men they approached the home of the Osama. It was three storeys high and had a courtyard surrounded by a high and guarded wall of one storey. Three walls also had flat roofs and living or servants quarters beneath them. Guards also stood on the flat roof of the main dwelling and Marian shuddered involuntary.
Little Little John who was at her side whispered. "It is alright we will keep you safe."
She smiled and said softly back. "It is not that I am worried about, but thank you."
They were granted entrance without question even though there were more in number than usual, each keeping their heads down and their faces unseen. Crossing the pleasant looking courtyard they made for the servants entrance and once secured within the walls of the house split up to find Robin once and for all.