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My mate is a brilliant little strategist…

Of course she hadn’t come alone.

24

ROBIN

Eight armed soldiers stood between us and the only way out, but I was more interested in the sounds coming from behind them.

The second whistle had just echoed through the passage, and Fitzwalter's men were beginning to look nervous. A few glanced over their shoulders, while the others tightened their grips on their swords.

Good.

I wanted them wondering how many of my people were hiding in the dark.

I kept hold of Guy's wrist and waited.

"How many of your thieves are in my castle?" Fitzwalter demanded.

"Wouldn't you like to know?"

"I could have you both executed where you stand."

"You could try." I glanced toward the darkness behind him. "Although I'd think carefully before giving that order. You can't see either end of this passage, and I can hear what's happening at both."

That was a lie.

I could only hear one end, but Fitzwalter had no way of knowing that.

Guy tightened his grip on my hand.

"Robin," he murmured.

"What?"

"Please tell me you have a plan."

"Of course I have a plan."

"One that involves us surviving?"

"That's generally the idea."

Another whistle sounded, this one higher up and somewhere to our left. I had absolutely no idea who'd made it.

It certainly wasn't one of my signals. For all I knew, some kitchen boy was amusing himself, although I was grateful for the help.

Fitzwalter heard it too.

He turned toward his men.

"You two, take the stairs. You, check the orchard gate."

"I wouldn't do that," I said.

"You're hardly in a position to advise me."

"I'm giving you the advice anyway. Sending three of your eight men up a dark staircase when you don't know who's waiting for them seems rather foolish."