Ok, I must apologise for taking so long to update this but life has been a little hectic of late and I have really struggled with this chapter. Not too sure about it and found it to be my proverbial brick wall. I hope you keep going with the story. Next chapter is the ransom for Will and Djaqs rescue and then we get into total angst for Will again (no I haven't forgotten about him)
Once again thanks for the reviews- they keep me going and make me smile and I apologise if this chap isn't up to scratch- the next 3 are going to be very intense.
CHAPTER 25
Robin was charging down the corridors closely followed by John and Marian. He had started to protest at her following them but she had shouted and said there wasn't time. They had to act now if they were to get the prisoners out and rescue Will and Djaq amidst the chaos surrounding them. Thick black smoke had begun to seep down the castle corridors and the way ahead was becoming harder to see. The fire was obviously burning fiercely.
The castle was springing to life. In the distance the great bell was still clanging a warning and Robin could hear the sound of soldiers' boot falls on the cobbles from the arrow slits in the thick walls. They would probably be forming a chain to carry water from the well to the fire. 'Better than being in here at the moment' thought Robin. They had to get to the dungeons whilst the guards were distracted.
Robin slowed to a stop as they came up to the final corner before the entrance to the dungeon. He put his hand up him to halt John and Marian and they fell into place behind him. "Right, the guard at the door is not there, he must be outside with the fire. John I need you to get that door open. Without Will here we will have to resort to brute force to get in…Marian, you wait here. When the men start coming up I want you to shepherd them down through into the kitchen. They are going to get out through the waste chute. Hopefully with the chaos going on outside they will be able to get away without too much trouble. Once they are in there you are to keep away…I don't want you involved anymore…it is too dangerous. Just make sure you are safe from the fire!" said Robin quickly. He didn't have time to argue now but luckily Marian knew the seriousness of the situation and nodded.
Robin looked to John "When we get in there I expect that there will be a few guards left on watch and whoever is the gaoler now. We need to act quickly my friend. They are depending on us" he whispered. John nodded grimly. Before turning to the door Robin quickly stood close to Marian and kissed her briefly on the lips. "Until I see you again my love" he said and then turned to make his way cautiously down the corridor followed by John keeping to the shadows.
Checking that there was no one coming Robin tapped John on the shoulder and nodded at him. John looked like he had been ready for this moment for hours and leapt forward like an ox with his right shoulder forward. He slammed into the lock side of the door with all his might forcing it open with a resounding crack!
They stood in silence for a few seconds waiting for the dust to settle and listening out for any guards. Suddenly there was a cry and a soldier came rushing at them his sword held high. He slashed the weapon down at John who only had the briefest of seconds to deflect the blow with his staff. The soldier raised the sword again and tried to reign down another blow but this time John was prepared. He lifted his staff and smacked it with a dull thud into the side of the soldier's head and he was unconscious, sliding to the floor before he even had the chance to realise what was happening. John nodded at Robin who had watched knowing he needed no help in foiling his attacker. Robin leant over the guard and rummaged in the pouch on his sword belt. He smiled when his fingers curled around a set of keys and he withdrew his hand in triumph. He motioned silently for them to advance and they stepped into the dank and smoky dungeon circular stairway.
It was eerily quiet in there and there was no sign of other guards. Thick black smoke was beginning to seep down the steps to the cells. The guards must be all fighting the fire thought Robin. As they rounded the corner and stepped down the last step they entered the main chamber of the dungeon. Robin heard a quiet but unmistakable cough. He turned and saw one of the villagers from Clun reaching out to him through the bars of his cell. "Robin…thank you, we knew you would come…I was telling the boy here not to give up hope. Praise be to you; lad come forward, the rightful Lord of Locksley is here for us." Said the man who Robin remembered was called George. A young lad who could be no more than fifteen shifted forwards out of the darkness sporting a large bruise across his cheekbone.
John nudged Robin and he saw him motion at the surrounding two cells. The rest of the villagers were cautiously emerging from the shadows to the bars. They were a sorry looking bunch sporting a myriad of cuts and bruises. One was supported by another, his ankle bent at an odd angle and clearly broken.
"Right men just hold on for a little while longer. We need to get those cells open and fast John. Listen up men, as soon as you are out make your way up the stairs to where the Lady Marian is waiting- she will show you the way safely." said Robin. He walked over to the nearest cell and began trying the keys in the locks growing more impatient with each one that failed to turn. Finally the last key gave a satisfying click and he opened the door letting out a big sigh of relief. He tossed the key to John and then swung the door open. The five men from Clun emerged looking hopeful that their ordeal was almost over and Robin saw the other men emerging from their cells.
"Aren't you coming with us Robin? said one of the men from Locksley with a puzzled look on his face. "How will we get out without you there to protect us, we are no match for the Sheriff's men?" The other men began to murmur and nod in agreement. "We are not like you Robin, we are simple village men; farmers not soldiers. You must be with us to offer protection." said the man whose ankle was broken.
"I will be behind you lads, as soon as I have done what I need to here. Two of my gang are being held here in the Sheriff's strong room. They could be badly hurt. I need to get to them and get them out before I follow you on." replied Robin. He looked around seeing disappointed faces and murmuring from the men in front of him.
Suddenly John stepped forward. "I was just a villager once, worked the land, went home after a gruelling days work in the fields…but then I was outlawed for stealing extra food to feed my pregnant wife. Robin here has shown me to fight for good, for those that need us, for those who are hurt. He risks his life everyday for people like you and right now has freed you from your metal cages. We go now to help our own who fight for you daily. Put their lives at risk for you. We say that it is now time for you to fight. Take up whatever arms you can find and FIGHT…fight for your family, fight for your friends…FIGHT FOR YOUR FREEDOM!"
As if on cue there was a rumble of metal and two soldiers ran into the chamber. They stopped in their tracks when they saw all of the prisoners out of their cells. This momentary pause gave Robin the time to ready his bow and he released two arrows with lightning speed and efficiency. The guards looked down at their chests where dark red stains were forming and crumpled to the floor. Robin closed his eyes for the briefest of seconds and steadied himself.
Evidently Johns speech had worked on some of the villagers as they walked forward hesitantly at first and took the swords from the soldier's bodies. They held them and stood looking towards Robin. "We fight!" said the younger of the two men. The surrounding men began to nod in approval their faces preparing for the fight ahead.
"Right…one of you two take the lead and follow the stairs up to the main corridor. Find the Lady Marian, she will show you the route" said Robin to the man who had spoken. He turned to the other armed man. "You cover the rear and make sure no one gets left behind…John and I will follow as soon as we have Will and Djaq! Have strength and conviction. You will get out and see your families again!" Robin grabbed the youngest lad of the villagers and laid his hands on his shoulders. The boy was trembling with fear. Robin squeezed his shoulders quickly. "I have faith in you. Show courage and stay in a group!" he said looking directly into the boys eyes.
Robin nodded at the leader of the group and they began making their way out cautiously. The villager with the broken ankle was supported by another man. No one was being left behind. As the last of the villagers rounded the corner in the dungeon Robin turned to John. "Now we go and get our 'ransom' for Will and Djaq." He smiled at John who punched his fist into the air. 'Hold on you two, we are coming for you' thought Robin as they set off with a new resolve!