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England

1190 AD

It is a stormy night in The countryside of Nottinghamshire,

located in the middle of England.

The sturdy trees of Sherwood forest moan under the strong winds.

Rain came crashing down through the leaves, turning the dirtroads into a muddy swamp.

A flash of lightning illuminated the sky, and shortly after the roaring thunder could be heard.

Another lightningbolt struck, only this time without making a sound.

There was a shadow standing in the impact zone.

The figure blend in with the undergrowth and found a place to hide.

It was a slender jackal, dressed in a black cape with a hood.

(image)

He inserted a comlink into his ear and switched it on.

"This is Agent Anubis. I've safely arrived at the dropzone."

"Good. Have you found the present I gave you?"

"Affirmative."

The jackal was holding a shiny silver sword,

overly decorated with gemstones.

the knob on the hilt was shaped like a panther's head.

He looked at it with a sigh of regret.

"I'm sorry you can't bring your assault rifle with you."

"Thanks for letting me keep the hidden blade, though."

"Gather your thoughts, Daniël. Focus on your mission.

You are the only Agent skilled enough to pull this one off...

Bear in mind: the key to this mission is to synchronize with the era you're in.

Don't try to cause a time paradox... an unwanted one, that is...

But most importantly: You can't use your shadow abilities in public.

So no poison bites, no turning people into dust, no life draining..."

*sigh* I know... I'll be a good boy~

"This mission requires you to rely on your ingenuity, not just your abilities.

You will be pushed to the limit, but I have my deepest faith in you.

Your primary objective is to gain the trust of Prince John,

The current King's younger brother.

According to our resources, he should arrive at his castle tomorrow for a routine inspection.

Make your way South towards the village.

You should come across a building to use as a safehouse.

Good luck, Agent Anubis.."

"Thanks, Agent Blaze. Commencing operation Poison Arrow."

The jackal put the sword on his leather belt and disappeared into the night.

It ditn't take long before he found the main road into Nottingham.

After walking in the dark woods for about an hour he saw some lights in the distance.

It was a small building at the forest' s perimeter,

And judging by the sign above the door it was an inn.

He could hear music. There must be a late party going on inside.

He knocked on the door, but the only response he got was a voice on the other side.

"Beat it, peasant! This is a private party for the Sherriff's men."

"Oh, is that so..."

Anubis kicked the door out of it's hinges and stepped inside.

He was greeted by two men swinging their swords,

But he calmly knocked them into each other and walked towards the innkeeper.

"Evening, squire. I require a room for the night and a pint of your finest ale."

"I... I'm sorry, but... you see... we're all taken... yes, all taken..."

The jackal threw a raw sapphire onto the counter.

"Here. This might change your mind."

"A guest just left, my lord. I'll go and prepare your room."

The strange guest sat down at a table and a barmaid brought him some beer.

"What are you doing here at this time of night?

Don't you know the woods aren't safe for your kind anymore?"

"What do you mean?"

One of the Sherriff's men laughed and nearly chocked in his drink.

"Robin Hood, of course! He and his merry men are terrorizing the area,

Stealing everything they can take and then disappear without a trace.

The sheriff always blames us for showing up too late,

but the man is a true devil, I tell ya!

He even tried to rob Prince John, but I'll doubt he'll ever succeed."

"I guess he gives the poor prince a lot of trouble, am I right?"

"Quite so. He's the only one brave (or dumb) enough to rebel against the high taxes,

By giving his stolen money to the poor.

He's a true hero to the people, but all he ever gives to us is trouble."

"Interesting... bottoms up, my friends! The next round is on me!"

The innkeeper returned to deal out more drinks.

"I'm sorry, nobleman, but you haven't told us your name."

"It's Daniël. Daniël Solares."

"So... you're not from around here, are you? What brings you to merry ol' England?"

"None of your damn business."

"I see... don't go causing any trouble, lad. The Sheriff is not an easy man."

"Don't worry, I won't. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to bed."

"Nighty-night, stranger! Hahahahahaa..."

Daniël walked up the stairs and entered his room.

He made sure no-one was eavesdropping and activated his comlink.

"Agent Blaze, I've found a place to stay and I may be onto something.

Requesting database information on Robin of Locksley, AKA Robin Hood."

"He operates from his hideout in Sherwood forest.

Likes to disguise himself to sneak around unnoticed.

His primary associates are 'Little John', an ursine thug who fights by his side,

and Friar Tuck, the local priest.

He acts as his intelligence advisor, and informs him about recent events.

But why are you asking me this?"

"Tomorrow I'll head into town. Walk among it's people.

According to Prince John, Robin is a straight pain in his ass.

Maybe I can strike a deal with him if I get the chance."

"Are you out of your mind?! We want John to trust us, not to piss him off!"

"I'm not talking about striking a deal with Robin... but with John instead."

"Oh... I see what you mean. Are you sure about this?"

"I am. It's the only way he'll trust me completely."

"I'll teleport the equipment when you're ready."

Daniël hid the device in his ear and opened the window.

He must have one of the more expensive rooms,

Because he had a clear view of the city and the surrounding farmlands.

"There's the church where Tuck should be... And that must be Nottingham castle."

The fortress' shadow loomed over the city like the greedy claws of Prince John himself.

"the buildings are very easy to climb...

And the guards around here are even dumber than they look.

This city is like a playground to me!"

He shut the window and went to sleep.

The town's inhabitants ditn't realize what terror just arrived at their doorstep...

And it wasn't prince John dropping by for a visit...