6 The Swordsmen strike

Chapter 6 The Swordsmen strike That afternoon, while some of the outlaws took more money to the village, Robin gave Much another archery lesson. As Much pulled back his bow...

...Marian came charging into the clearing. "Robin!" she called. "The Sheriff has hired the Six Swordsmen." Just then, a plume of smoke rose in the sky. "It's coming from the village!" cried Robin, grabbing his sword.

Much couldn't believe his eyes when they reached the village. All of the houses had been burned down, including his father's mill. The villagers wandered forlornly through the ruins. "It was the Six Swordsmen," one said. "We gave them money, but they still destroyed our homes."

"Where are Will and Tuck and Little John?" demanded Robin. "Captured," the villager said sadly. "The Swordsmen took them to the castle." Robin stared up at the Sheriffs castle, his face darkening. "It's time to fight back," he declared.

"But how?" asked Marian. "The Sheriff has a whole army." Much scrambled onto the remains of the mill and called to the villagers. "Will you join us? Will you join Robin Hood?" To battle! We will! Much grinned. Now they had an army too.