A/N It has really been an uphill legal battle with the BBC. I still do not own BBC Robin Hood, its characters, and plots. I only own my characters. This is the first half of episode 8 of season 1. The next half will be coming in a few days. Let me know what you think of this style, what you like, what you hate, if I should be more exact or less. All reviews are appreciated.
Chapter 6 Tattoo? What tattoo? or Alex's First Adventure
It had been a few weeks since Alex first arrived, but she more settled in and at home then she ever was at university. She had even lead her own ambush of a a few of the guards carrying some taxes and it went off flawlessly. Everyone was impressed with her and her quick improvement. It was all mainly due to her and Allan practicing.
Alex enjoyed their sessions. They started with Allan making Alex do strength exercises, with swordplay and wrestling following. Alex was getting better every day and Allan would soon have to try his best when fighting her now. She was a natural at it. It was like she was born to be in the gang and fight against the Sheriff and his guard, and with her story, she might have been born and sent here for this purpose. Alex thought that this was her destiny all along, but there was a filing error in heaven or whatever is in charge of fate and she was born in the wrong era.
After the easy stuff, Allan would help Alex with her bow. She lacked in the area, but steadily improved. She now could shoot on target and well, but not very far. She was determined to improve though, and Allan was happy to comply.
At the end of all the training and practice, Alex and Allan would sit down and she would teach him. She first taught him how to sign his name, and then the alphabet and all that. Alex would have him write in the dirt and she watched as she wrote in her own journal. Her writings became her place of solace, and she remembered in all her time travel movies, the scientists always found some future journal or object and used it to harness the portal and wormhole or learn about it. She figured it would come in handy if she never returned, though she would never really think about that possibility after finding her place in the Sherwood forest.
Alex had the deepest bond with Allan, and there was no doubt about it. Everyone in the gang knew that they were friends and close ones, but no one knew that in the middle of the night, the two would just simply stay awake and make sure the other was okay. At this point, they both weren't having any more terrors, but just enjoyed the silent solace they found in each other and the stars that they could see in the forest. They wouldn't chat that often, just a comment to see if the other was awake. They were both unaware of the brutal curiosity about each other. Allan desired to know about the tragedy that affected her and why she is the way she is, stubborn and totally guarded; Alex desired to know about how the two brothers became thieves by necessity and why Allan always used his charms to hide.
Some nights, Alex would sing a favorite song of hers when she thought it was only her awake, longing for a guitar or records and turntable or her phone with her music (she had set it aside with only a 30% battery after using up her extra battery when she filmed herself and the gang for historical record, though it was really just her complaining about chores to upset Much. She would have her mobile if she ever really needed it this way). Allan would always feign sleep to hear her sing. She had the voice of an angel, and she didn't even realize it. Alex always thought it was okay and sang just because she loved words and melodies and rhythm. He thought it was ridiculous at first that she told him he was a minstrel in the Robin Hood legends because he knew nothing of music and never even liked it. However, Alex made him realize that music was a beautiful thing and it was the most comforting thing he has ever had in his entire life, if you could say he had Alex's gorgeous voice. Allan and Alex were happy with the unspoken, but simply sung and written friendship
Alex however did become better friends with the others. Djaq was the person she always talked to, and they talked about anything and everything. Sometimes they debated philosophy, or memories of their different childhoods, or they would teach each other things. Djaq taught Alex about how to identify herbs and plants and their uses, and Alex taught Djaq about modern medicine (which Djaq was fascinated by) and other discoveries and facts only recently confirmed. They also loved to make jokes about the boys, who always loved to showoff for the woman. They would roll their eyes whenever Much puffed up his chest and tried to act all manly and gave each other a look of amusement.
Much was always amusing to Alex. He was always cheerful and optimistic, a great change from the constant death and despair Alex was surrounded with and still adjusting to. Much loved hearing her stories about modern technology, like movies and television, microwaves, the different foods, that vastness of a grocery store, phone calls, and a lot more.
Will and Alex also got along well. Will was like a brother to her; he didn't say much, but paid attention unlike her brother at home who always play xbox. Will once spent an entire day teaching her how to make arrows, which was a very long day filled with Alex nicking her fingers and swearing and complaining. Will was very level headed and helped her through all of it, and Alex had to remember to get him a thank you gift at some point. She knows how much of an ass she can be and it takes a lot to not curse her out and storm away. Alex made that day up to him by always offering to get him wood and keep him company. Will was more silent than Djaq and Much, so Alex would do much of the talking. During these sessions, she would often notice Will staring at Djaq. She knew the two would be good together, but if only he had the courage to tell Djaq.
Little John and her would often go on patrols together. She was the second smallest, by beating Djaq in height, and the least experienced in fighting, despite her excessive training. It was logical to be paired with the bear of a man, whom she knew would protect her if necessary. She was still a wanted witch and member of the outlawed gang, so it was for the best. John Little reminded her of her father in his later, most recent years, where his outward passion has been lessened with age, but he always had words of wisdom. She would always make chat with him on their patrols and would talk about anything she could see bring a smile to him. He didn't talk much, but offered wise words to her when he deemed appropriate. John liked her constant chatter and her stream of thoughts. She spoke a lot, but she always choose her words carefully, even when speaking quickly or rambling nervously. She was incredibly unique and he wondered how he could think so her as something sinister and evil. He thought of her like a daughter now, a new addition to the Sherwood family.
Alex befriended Robin by often talking about new plans for their robbing and the activities, making the gang more efficient. Robin admired her commitment and loyalty and her fresh perspective. Alex had seen Ocean's Eleven enough times to think the castle was easy. It had no cameras, no laser beams, no walkie talkies for the security, and no car chases. When Robin explained a plan of his, Alex would always point out a flaw or a new idea that Robin had easily glossed over. The only thing that he did not like about her was her constant questioning and debating. He knew she was loyal to him and the rest of the gang, but she would loudly voice her disagreement with the Crusade and King Richard. She declared that Richard was just the lesser evil of the two royal brothers. He, or another patriotic member of the gang )usually Much,) often questioned her about where her national pride was, and she would respond that times had changed and it was better if she made her own opinions not based on the ruler, but on the facts. She also explained how the royal family and the Queen did not have absolute power, but England was now a democracy and elected a ministers and a prime minister was the top dog in parliament.
Robin loved her independence and her free attitude, but sometimes it bothered him. She did not know when to rein herself in. Alex's and Marian's first meeting was not a pleasant one. They both were two strong, stubborn women and he feared that they would get into some huge fight. But they soon came to an understanding. It was only a matter of lack of knowledge of their circumstances. Alex did not know of Marian's escapades as the Nightwatchman and accused her of being too scared to do any actual good; Marian did not know Alex being whisked away into an entirely different world in a matter of seconds, she presumed she was from France or another European country (they said she was forced to flee a far away home, not time travel since it was so hard to believe) and accused her of having some sort of ulterior motive and being a whore. But once they got an understanding, they liked each other a bit more. Marian reminded Alex of a friend she had and all they would do is try to get higher GPAs and A level scores than each other. It wasn't the best friendship, but they helped one another and Alex had talked to her after leaving sixth form. Alex was just happy that she was fitting in.
Alex woke up that morning under a crude tent to Robin muttering in his sleep. She groggily opened here eyes and tired to make sense of her awareness. Allan was next to her, as usual, but Much was up sitting and speaking to Robin. He was ranting softly about the King's birthday and how Robin saved his life the Holy Land. Alex closed her eyes again, giving the former soliders privacy. Allan was right that first night of being in the gang when he said everyone had nightmares. Alex could barely fathom what Robin and Much went through in the Crusade. The Crusades were wars with a barbaric purpose and barbaric means and barbaric deaths. Alex also thought that they still continued on in her world, with terrorists like ISIS and the Taliban and the constant fighting there. 'I suppose this is where it all started,' she thought whenever it was mentioned.
She drifted back into a light sleep, when Robin woke her and everyone up. He smiled proudly and Alex chuckled internally at Much's exasperated face. "Gang, today is the King's birthday, and I have to perfect plan to celebrate. We are going back to Locksley." He grinned like a child at Christmas and explained his plan to ruin Guy's day.
Alex entered Robin's former home behind John after he pushed the door in. Robin smirked at Guy and instructed everyone to give up their valuables and go into another room till the gang had all left as he walked down the stairs to his rightful home smugly. Guy snarled, "Do what he says," while giving him a look that could kill. Robin socially replied, "Wise decision then." He saw Alex take some jewelry off of a noble woman and smiled sinisterly at her, "It seems like you kept the witch in your company." Alex rolled here eyes and continued on muttering, "It seems like someone is overcompensating." earning a chuckle from Djaq.
John yelled at all the invited guests to move into the room as the outlaws took the rich possessions they had on their persons. Robin thanked them for their "donations" to the poor of Nottinghamshire and looked at Marian who gave him a very satisfied smirk. Robin also smiled at Guy who was seething with anger. Everyone could see his anger from the criminal interruption pulsing from him and his leather outfit. Allan and Alex heard the signal from Will, and Allan said to the outlaws that they had to go they had to go. Robin continued his glare and said, "Nearly done."
He set down his bow as Much yelled for his master. Robin approached Guy, Marian, and her father Edward. Guy began to reach for his sword but Djaq pulled out her blade as a warning. Marian's father said to the smug outlaw, "Robin, this is ugly."
Rob replied to him, "Yes this is ugly." He then glared at Guy. "This my house. So Marian-"
Guy interrupts him. "Back off, Locksely. Marian does not carry money about her person." At this intersection. Little John came over and raised a staff at Gisbourne's neck and Alex slowly drew her sword.
Robin continued glaring at the continually treated Guy. "How do you know?" the leader said curtly.
Marian calmly and innocently responded to the outlaw. "He is right. I do not carry money."
Robin turned to her, adopting a more flirting, smug persona. "My compliments," he said looking at the ground and back up at the lady, "You are wise to take precautions when there are so many unsavory characters around."
Allan looked around in aggravation at Robin's instance on annoying Guy through Marian, and pulled Alex with him out of the house to join Will. Mush remained wide eyed at his master and his lack of concern to leave. Robin continued despite the absence of the members of his gang and the disapproval of one. "But this ring though.." He appraised it with his thieving eyes and scoffed.
Little John turned to Robin and said with urgency, "Robin… signal." As the biggest gang member urged the leader to go, the Sheriff's carriage was approaching the manor.
Robin continued appraising and admiring the ring on Marian's slender and well manicured hand, a sign of her wealth and luxury. Guy looked at her hand in rage. "You've taken everything else. You can leave that." he said mustering up his authoritative voice.
Marian looked at Robin with pleading eyes, mumbling his name; he leaned in asking, "What?" with a whisper. As he did this, John yelled at him, reminding him once again of their signal to leave and the big man backed away towards the back door. Robin quickly kissed Marian's hand, slipping of her new engagement ring and backed away from the unhappy couple. John went out the back door with much after the servant handed his bow to his master.
"We should do this again. It was entertaining." Robin replied with a smirk.
As the outlaw turned around, Gisbourne drew his dagger, saying, " it any luck, once will be enough". But Robin expertly parried his attack. He spun Gisbourne around pinning his arm behind him and pushing him against the wall of the manor as Edward escorted his daughter out of harm's way. Robin pulled the dagger from Guy's hand and in doing so, Guy spun around using his sword for his attacks. Robin expertly blocks it and with Gisbourne's arm raised. He pinned his sleeve to the wall by the stairs using the dagger. Gisbourne tried to reach for the outlaw, but he soon had the outlaw's saracen sword pointed at him with the outlaw grinning. Robin backed away with Guy glaring at him.
Guy tore his sleeve from the dagger while getting free, and in the process revealed a tattoo with a white scar across it on his now bare arm. Robin's face transformed from his usual cocky charm grin to wide eyed and stunned. Robin's mind immediately flashed back to the tattoo he sliced when protecting the king in the Holy Land from a saracen attack, but he corrected himself because he now realized it was actually an English attack.
Gisbourne smirked at the shocked outlaw. "Surprise."
"It was you." Robin replied completely startled. Robin was still where he stood, unknown to him that the Sheriff was about to enter his former home. Gisbourne drew out the dagger from the wall as Djaq stepped in front of her shocked leader. "Robin! What is the matter with you?!" Wake up!" she said trying to get Robin to return to reality. Djaq pushed him out of the house, but in doing so, Guy hit her on the head with the hilt of his dagger, knocking her to the ground with an ugh of pain. Robin escaped just as the Sheriff entered.
Gasbourne sheathed his sword as the Sheriff looked at the scene of a "man" hunching over not the ground. "Food poisoning?" Gisbourne ignored his superior's comment and exited his manor. leaving Edward and Marian in shock and the Sheriff confused. The guards accompanying Vaisey entered the room to assist in any way possible, which was arresting the saracen man.
Allan, Alex, Will, and John rode off as fast as they could from the manor and village. Robin sat on his horse, looking back at Guy and glaring at the traitor. Much rode by biding his master to come along with them.
Guy followed the outlaws into the Sherwood forest on horseback in hot pursuit of Robin Hood. Alex, Allan, Will, John, and Much managed to get away, but Robin stayed behind. They did not realize until they were far away at their camp.
"Where is Robin?" asked concerned Much who looked frantically around on top of his horse.
""E'll find his way back." Allan replied, getting off his horse. The others got off as well and sent their stolen horses away towards where they originated from. Allan came over and assisted Alex down from her horse. She hated riding almost as she did working with her bow and arrow, and she often felt sick after riding at fast speeds. Her stomach was adjusting slowly to it.
Allan grabbed her arms and she hopped down with his support. She smiled at the outlaw and grabbed her bag of stolen loot. She fished through it as Will, Much, and John started heading back to Robin.
"Oh! Look at this!" Alex said pulling out a fancy, ornate, and huge necklace. "Does this make my eyes look too big?" she asked Allan laughing, holding the necklace up to her neck. It was a large piece with many jewels. Alex thought it belong in the Tower of London.
"I'm not bein' funny, but it only shows off a bit of your wealth." Allan replied in joke as well. Alex and Allan joined the other outlaws silently joking until they heard aloud shout.
"WHO ELSE?!"
Alex pulled Much and Allan behind a covered area to conceal themselves. They did not know what was going on and it could be dangerous. John and Will hid with her, and then they saw who the voice came from. It was Robin, but it wasn't. It was a much angrier, harsher, deadlier Robin.
Guy was standing a few feet away from the leader and smirked at him.
Robin regained his composure. "I will find out, and when I do, I will see you all hanged for treason."
Gisbourne raised his eyebrows amused. "Oh, and when will that be?"
"When the king returns."
"I wouldn't hold your breathe."
"The King will return."
"If the King returns, I still win. I win Marian." Gasbourne then bent down to pick up his stolen ring, keeping eye contact with Robin. However he did drop his gaze; as soon as he did, Robin ran forward and kicked him in the face, knocking the leather clad man to the ground. Robin pulled out his sword and help it to Guy's neck as he laid facing upwards on the ground. Alex unconsciously grabbed Allan's arm in shock and fright and the sudden violence that she had not seen Robin exhibit before.
Gisbourne taunted the outlaw. "What are you going to do? Cut my other arm?"
"No. I am going to kill you." Robin looked down with hatred in his eyes.
"NO!" Alex yelled running up to her leader and out of the concealed place with Allan, Will, Little John, and Much besides her.
"Killing, we do not do." Little John added.
"He's right. At least that is what you taught us." Will said shocked at the righteous leader turning back on his principles.
"Exactly. You can't go back on your beliefs for him." Alex added crossing her arms puzzled at what was going on. "He is not worth you tarnishing your ethics and principles."
"We do not take part in blood shed… unless absolutely necessary." Much added, the least shocked of everyone at his master's violence.
When it came to Allan to offer words of wisdom, he meekly shrugged, earning an eyebrow raise from Alex.
Robin stood up, releasing Gisbourne from the threat of his curved sword. As he looked down at the traitor, he kicked him rendering him unconscious. "That was necessary."
Little John gave him a nod of understanding while Alex looked at him annoyed, adding an annoyed glance towards Allan. She then looked around frantically.
"Ya know, I don't see Djaq any where." she said unconsciously tapping the hilt of her sword.
"Where is Djaq?" Will added in the middle of her statement. The gang looked at each other anxious and at Robin for an answer.
Gisbourne was soon tied to a tree and gagged in the forest and was surrounded by the outlaws. Robin was stomping around him and threw his things at the ground, returning the glare of their prisoner.
Will calmly stood there and said, "Djaq is our priority. She's one of us."
Robin approached the carpenter angry at the thought of betraying the king. "How long before Gasbourne's men come looking of rather master? I need to sort this out and I need to sort this out now." Robin points at Gasbourne yelling louder. "This man is a traitor. He tried to kill the king."
"I'm not bein' funny, but I didn't see it." Allan replied to the evidence about the tattoo.
"Nor did I." Will added.
"Robin! We can't let this claim all of our focus. In the court of law, basing evidence on one man's word with an extreme bias is ridiculous. You could just be reaching for something that isn't there!" Alex said concerned and upset at him.
Robin turned to Much raising his arms asking his brother in arms and servant for support. Much looked around in consideration. He hesitantly replied remembering that day in the Holy Land. "You sent me for help, remember?"
Robin paced around the forest in distress. Will then said, "You were about to kill him. What happened to your famous justice… trials and evidence-"
Robin interrupted the man with a roar. " I'M TELLING YOU IT WAS HIM! HE'S NOT EVEN TRYING TO DENY IT!" Robin tried to regain his patience and stepped towards his prisoner. "He tried to kill the King in Acre. He stabbed me and left me for dead… and then he went for the King." The two glared at each other in deep hatred.
"Let him be tried fairly in public, then he will be a traitor. Killing him here will make him a victim. Are you wiling to risk your name and all of your good work?" Alex questioned.
"I thought you said a Saracen stabbed you." Allan said.
"That was before I realized it was Gisbourne!" Robin yelled back.
"Well get your story straight." Allan said in his defense.
Robin yelled exasperated at what he thought were his loyal friends. "I told you I fought him! I cut his arm…his tattoo. Look!"
"You didn't mention tattoos." Allan replied causing Robin to ruffle and grip his hair in frustration. "I don't remember any mention of tattoos. Anyway, that is not the point. The point is…" Allan said before being interrupted by Will.
"They've got Djaq." Robin turned to Will frowning.
"We cannot leave her." Much said.
"We have to rescue Djaq." Alex added staring at Robin in defiance.
"They could be torturing her." said Will.
Robin looked at his gang shocked and exasperated. "Do any of you understand what treason is?!"
"I understand what torture is." Allan said bluntly. This earned a softened, concerned look for Alex, but she then resumed glaring at Robin.
"Robin, we got to Nottingham, for Djaq." Little John concluded.
"This… is for England." Robin said suddenly turning around and punching Gasbourne in the face. "This is for England too." He punched him again, making Allan and Will hold him back.
"Robin!" Little John yelled. As Allan was struggling to over take him, John hit him in the head with his staff, putting Robin unconscious. Much could only stare at his fallen master and his comrades.
"Sorry." John said to the gang.
"Ya know, I'm not." Alex said, squatting down next to Robin and checking his breathing. The rest of the gang looked shocked at John and shocked at Robin's sudden change.
Djaq looked at the jailor and the Sheriff. She silently cursed that her plan did not work and she wasted some of the acid. Getting caught only increased her punishment. She listened carefully to her captors' conversation, remaining still until the Sheriff approached her holding her vial.
"Did you make this yourself, my friend?" he asked chuckling.
Djaq reached out for it impulsively and stupidly. The Sheriff grabbed her attacking hand and held it tight.
Vaisey continued chuckling. "Oh, come on. Do tell." Djaq remained focused and composed and did not dignify him with a response. "Solid iron." he chuckled. The Sheriff then poured some of the acid onto her arm carefully. The Saracen grunted in pain. "Ooh, ouch. Vicious stuff. Nasty." he mockingly commented. Djaq continued enduring the pain.
"Very. Shall we have him killed?" the jailer asked.
"Killed? Don't be ridiculous. If he can make more of this I might even kiss him." And with that the Sheriff departed.
Djaq was soon brought to a new room in the castle. She was forced to follow behind the Sheriff with two gaudy by her side, preventing any sort of escape. The Sheriff entered the room and faced towards her as she remained standing in the hallway.
"Alchemy." he said raising his hands showing off the room. "Marvelous idea" he said walking around a table in the room with Djaq following him studying what the room contained. "Frustrating results… especially if you're my alchemist." The Sheriff then carefully grabbed a skull off of one of the wooden, hanging shelves. "This is my last one." He handed it to Djaq who opened the top of the skull shocked. The Sheriff continued pacing around the room talking, "Inkwell, poor fellow. Good boy. Handsome, a bit like you. Soft hands." Djaq closed the skull as he talked and looked down at her hands, fearing the he figured out her true identity. "But his alchemy, well it was wretched, depressing. I shall have to say, I was very depressed. But then you came along, with your wonderful Saracen… what is it?"
"Zayt al-Zaj." Djaq bitterly replied.
"Well, whatever hm? Liquid that can burn through solid metal." he said going around the room again so we walked behind her. "Well."
Djaq stepped back and faced Vaisey. "Who'd have thought of that? So… I want you to make me a batch." He took the skull from the Saracen and turned to put it back.
With the skull still in his hands, Djaq replied, "I do not know how."
The Sheriff turned back towards her and tapped the skull, his former employee.
"I need particular ingredients." Djaq responded, "I do not see them here." The Sheriff put the skull on the shelf and walked towards the door.
"We have guards, over there on the door. They'll get you whatever you need. You have, shall we say two days?" The Sheriff stopped and chuckled. "Joke. Two hours."
Djaq was then left in the alchemy room and she looked at what she had.
It was not the best plan, but it would have to work. Allan, John, and Will sat at the front of the wagon, driving the horses, and Alex, due to her being the smallest compared to the forest men, had to hide in burlap in the back admist the produce. Alex protested and volunteered Will to do it for her, but there were still whispers about the escaped witch, and as plan cheekily said, "I'm not bein' funny, but with your little nose and 'retty pale skin, you'll be recognized instantly."
"Ya I suppose your nose has the abused and oppressed peasant thing." Alex replied chuckling. "I'll do it, but you have to admit to everyone again after this that you think I am pretty."
"I didn't say anythin' like that. No offense, but you're the ugliest girl I've ever seen." Allan replied with his joking smirk on his face. The two's conversation was broken up and John shushed at them and ordered them to their places.
Alex hid in the burlap and the boys disguised themselves and got in the front. They approached the castles gate and the guard demanded a toll in. Allan obliged as the guards checked the back for everything. Alex remained absolutely still. The guard was soon paid and everything went fine, despite a homeless peasant recognizing the boys somewhat.
They entered the grounds and Alex, Allan, Will, and John all with their disguise or their hoods up and were sneaking into the castle carefully. As they entered into the dark hall way of the castle, and asking from column to column Will said, "I don't suppose anyone's given any thought as to how to get back out again?"
"Ya know, we will just figure it out later." Alex replied annoyed.
"Yes. Later! We came for Djaq!" Little John added.
As the gang was trying to avoid detection when rescuing their friend, Djaq came up with a very clever idea.
Not long after, the Sheriff entered the Alchemy room.
"I have finished." Djaq said curtly.
"So quickly? We can test it on your outlaw friends." the Sheriff replied with a sinister look on his face. Djaq glanced down calmly at the mention of her friends. "According to my kitchen master, they've arrived already." He chuckled as the Saracen stared at him with a look that could kill, "Oh, you were expecting to be rescued? Hm? They won't think of looking for you here."
Djaq then calmly poured a small pitcher into the bowl of powder at her work station. The powder reacted and filled the room with a dense smoke that filled the already dark room.
"What are you doing?" the Sheriff asked nervous. Djaq calmly lifted her vest over her mouth as he panicked and called of this guards and slipped out of the room. Once she was behind his goons, she ran out into the hallway.
She yelled at the guards present to sound the alarm and there was a fire and she kept running out as the Sheriff called for his guards.
The gang minus three entered the dungeon cautiously. They found all the cells empty and the doors ajar. They each went and made sure it was all empty.
"There's no one here." commented Will.
"Ya know, this is not right at all." Alex replied looking around confused.
"No prisoners, not even a jailer. Wh-?" Will said befor being cut off by Allan.
"I'm not bein' funny. You don't think this could be a" The main doors opened, filling the once obsolete dungeon. The outlaws there the cloaks back and grabbed their weapons ready for a fight.
"A trap" Little John said, finishing Allan's thought, clearly annoyed at the set up.
"Listen, gents. Why don't we talk about this, eh?" Allan said trying, and failing to use his charms. Alex rolled her eyes and then sized up her opponents.
The guards attacked the gang and they defended. They each parry and attack guards, switching their opponent and working together. Allan and Alex blocked as Will attacked form above with his axe, and Little John punched his foe, then moved to another guard and defeated him using his staff. Allan ducks and Alex attacks the guard, ironically off guard. Then a guard grabbed Will, trying to choke him just as Djaq came running in. She knocked one guard out, making Alex and Allan, a natural sword fighting team, with one opponent easily defeated by Alex. Allan went and helped Will by knocking out the guar that held him. In a matter of seconds, the guards were all knocked out.
"Are you alright?" Will asked Djaq.
"Are you alright?!" Djaq replied.
"I thought we came to save you." Allan said breathing heavily.
"Now I am saving you." she responded.
Allan chuckled. "You're a women. We're men."
"Excuse me?" Alex said crossing her arms and raising an eyebrow.
"Irritating, isn't it? It seems like Alex was valuable too." Djaq said walking over to her female friend. The two shared a laugh and had a brief hug. Allan smiled and chuckled at the two.
John, annoyed at the banter, whistled and nodded his head, indicating they should leave. They gang ran down a narrow corridor and turned right into another.
"Where now? Do you actually have a plan?" Djaq said running towards the front.
"No. Ya know, they failed that part in the planning process." Alex said running up towards the front, leaving Allan bringing back the rear.
"I've never been in this part of the castle. Have you?" Allan said looking at Little John who shook his head in reply, leaning against the corner of the hallway.
"Robin?! Where is he?" Djaq said worried. John ran past her, and Allan, Alex, and Will tried to think of an excuse.
"Well, he's basically…" Allan started. Little John then groaned at the sight of a dead end.
"We will talk about it later." Alex finished looking at the end of the of the hallway.
"He did not come?" Djaq asked confused.
Will ran up so he was besides her. "He, erm, he was... distracted."
"That's your lie!" Alex said to him, apalled at his lack of skill.
"Because I am a girl?" Djaq asked hurt and confused and angry. Alex replied saying that was ridiculous considering she was saved and was called a witch and smiled at her rescued friend.
Little John ignored them and opened a door to a privy room. "Here go!"
They all entered the small, foul smelling room as John shut the door behind them.
"Seen this? Indoor privy?" Allan smiled and lifted a hatch on the floor open. Everyone recoiled at the smell.
"So?! I have a better version back home!" Alex said covering her nose with her sleeve.
"So? It leads outdoors." Allan smiled at his idea. "Well what? Have you got any better ideas?" Everyone grimaced.
"Must be another way." Will said.
Little John replied firmly, "We go!" He pushed Will forward and urged him to go. He wrapped his cloak around him and slid down and emerged outside of the castle.
Allan looked at Alex and bowed to her. "Ladies first."
"Over my dead body." she said going to back and leaned against the door. Allan smiled back and happily slid down. John then slid down, promising to catch the girls at the bottom. He landed safely out, but managed to land face first.
The men all stood in the safety the heap of rubbish and waited for the girls, but they never came. As Djaq was about to slide down, the Sheriff entered. Alex backed up so she stood besides Djaq and shut the lid discreetly.
"Well, if you were so desperate to go, all you had to do was ask." the Sheriff said, his voice dripping in sarcasm. "Oh, how nice? Your friend, the witch joined us! How'd you get here? Walk through walls. Flew threw a window?" Alex rolled her eyes and mumbled she was not a witch.
Djaq charged at the soldiers and Alex drew her sword, but they were easily overtaken at a fight of who knows the exact amount to two.
"Take them to the dungeon. If they don't want to play nice, we will play nasty." The Sheriff smiled as they were taken away. He then opened the privy hatch, but the smell overwhelmed him, so he dropped it.
The boys were left waiting in the pile of rubbish. "We need Robin." Will said spitting something out of his mouth once he realized the girls were not coming.