Bandits in Camelot

Chapter 3- Feinting

"I must say," the Hood drawled relaxedly, utterly at ease, "I had expected more from Camelot's finest warriors."

Arthur tried to push down the feeling of irritation that arose, "Your men are skilled, I'll give you that." He gritted through his teeth, trying to ratify infamous outlaw before him, who currently held all the power in his hands.

"Of course they are, Arthur Pendragon. I trained them myself." Robin quipped, his eyes crinkling in amusement. He gestured with his hand to one of his men, who came forward to restrain Gwaine.
Hood patted him on the cheek, chuckling under his breath at the clear irritation on the man's face.

Now in his sights as he walked to face him, Arthur analysed the figure, who stood proudly his shoulders back, but face still shrouded by his hood. His figure was small and lithe, perfect for tree acrobatics, the king assumed- if the tales were anything to believe.

He swaggered over to the spilled carts contents, walking with all the confidence of a man who won, as he leant down to inspect some fallen sacks of what were likely coins or valuables, he turned his back on Arthur completely, who stared at him in shock.

So confident was this man of the control over this situation- he doubted Arthur would attack.
Bending his legs slightly, leaves rustled as he lowered his arm to the floor, near his discarded sword.
But Robin's leg shot out , flipping the sword towards himself with his foot, so quickly Arthur blinked at him.

As he caught the sword, he heard Merlin draw breath sharply, as Robin swept around lazily, eyeing him up at down.
"I thought I told you not to move. Do you want to die by your own sword..sire?"

"You cannot give orders to a King." Leon shot from across the clearing furious at his threatening manner.

"Maybe not, ... but I can take his money." He could almost feel his grin across the air between them.

"Right, "rob the rich to feed the poor" right? Spare me the speech." The king spat bitterly, but Hood only ignored him, carrying on his rifling through the sacks as a few of his men started loading up their empty bags with the valuables.

A sharp wind blew through the clearing and a tree above them creaked, Merlin braced himself slightly, as large branch promptly cracked and fell on the head of the bandit restraining Gwaine, who without even thinking, drew the sword at the man's side and dashed towards Robin, who responded in kind.

They both assumed a high guard, and Robin did not hesitate as he threw an overhand cut. Gwaine parried quickly, reflexively. Robin cut from the other side, Gwaine parried. They moved, back and forth, until Gwaine realised, with a fury that Robin did not seem to be exerting any real effort, almost playing with him.

Seemingly bored, Robin feinted right, before sweeping left and skilfully swiping at him, cutting against his armour. Gwaine almost imagined it, but those green eyes looked to be twinkling with joy. With a great bellow he launched himself with all his might, but Hood dodged to the side, throwing a crooked cut at Gwaine's hands. The long-haired man looked in disbelief as the drop of blood that fell from his hand, to the leaves below.

Wasting no time gawking himself, Robin pressed in, keeping his blade against Gwaine's to close the line, and pressed its point against  his neck.

"Hmm," the cloned figure mused, ignoring the surrounding chaos as Percival has somehow managed to break free some of the ropes, and a small band of the knights had joined the fray, distracting the bandits from their work.

"It would almost be a waste..." he mused trailing off, seemingly lost in thought for a moment.

Gwaine panting, said nothing, keenly aware of the tip of the cool blade resting on the base of his throat, his sweat misting the blade.

"I did so enjoy our time together my lords," he turned, sword unmoving, towards the rest of the party. Eyes flickering from the small scuffle to their remaining captives, Arthur almost red with rage still stood apart- unwilling to risk the life of his man (Robin noted).
"However I think it's time we were going." He announced cheerfully before issuing a sharp keening whistle, that pierced through the clashing, from beneath the thick hood.

Instantly, the Merry Men disbanded, some leaping atop the stolen horses, the ones towards the edge of the clearing launched themselves into the brush. Merlin even spotted a few scrambling up the thick oak trees in the distance.

"I'll be back for my friend Arthur Pendragon." Hood shouted over his shoulder, stolen sword discarded, he strolled away amidst the chaos. Arthur's attention caught he started towards the bandits direction but five paces in Hood had walked behind a large towering oak tree, seemingly out of sight.

The young king pounded his fist into the bark Ik frustration looking wildly in all directions.        Except up.