The Eternal Shadow

Chapter 58

LVIII

Hiding in plain sight as 'nobility' was only good for so long.

Once through the gates, it was clear that 'The King Richard Appreciation Society' must be disbanded. Fooling the guards was one thing, but even in the finest robes, there would be no fooling Vaisey or Winchester – their faces were too well known for that now.

In this part of the plan they were assisted by Sir Edward, who, with other lords here to warn the king, had smuggled in cloaks for them. They were most grateful for this, not least when Winchester rode in through the main gate, paying no heed to the cloaked figures observing him from nearby.

Weapons was another story though. The guards had been thorough in searching all visitors as befits such an important event, which meant that should they have to fight their way out, all they had was their fists. To remedy this, Allan suggested they pay a visit to the kitchens; he was 'acquainted' with a girl who worked there who would probably help them if they explained the urgency of the situation or at least cause a distraction whilst they helped themselves to the more dangerous kitchen items.

They agreed to give it a go since nobody had a better idea and it was just as they were making their way down there, that it all went a bit wrong.

"You there! Stop! Where are you going?"

Allan froze. He'd gone on ahead to see if the coast was clear and now Winchester had him. He swore under his breath, panic spiking in his veins.

He turned slowly and pulled down his hood. "Why to find you of course!" He was completely winging it here, stalling for time, hoping that the lads were not too far behind.

"Ah Allan, I was wondering when I'd see you again, I hope you've got good news for me."

The outlaw smiled and was about to spout whatever made up drivel came to mind, but was spared the bother because Little John snuck up behind the lord and smashed him in the back of the head.

(Again).

This time with his elbow.

It was glorious.

Grins were exchanged, grateful looks as well - they couldn't hang around though; time was of the essence. They dragged the unconscious nobleman to a nearby pantry, located the correct key on his belt and locked him in. Not before Allan put the boot in though, he figured the snake had earned that much by trying to make him betray his friends.

Having dealt with this hiccup, all went smoothly from there: Allan's lady friend came up good for them, they found Sir Edward in the main hall and the king showed up with befitting pomp and fanfare.

As the monarch then turned on Vaisey, it seemed too good to be true.

As it turned out, it was...

**********

"Do you wish to give evidence against the sheriff?"

"A clue: no!"

It had been a close shave no doubt about that.

The priest had done them an inestimable service. They never would've gotten through security without him and Sir Edward would've been murdered before they could get to him. Nor would Robin have his bow: so important in moments like this, so essential to their fight, so difficult to conceal... but not if you have a holy man, his cart and a length of twine to secure it to the underside.

In the event, there was no search - they could've smuggled in all the weapons they wanted, but that's easy to say in hindsight and it's not wise to put a mission at risk with careless assumptions.