Honour Among Thieves

By Andrew Knighton

Hob was a simple peasant farmer until idealism turned him into a rebel. Now he's an outlaw living in Sherwood Forest, seeking justice at the end of an arrow.

Under the leadership of Robert Deyville, Hob enjoys the outlaw life, feasting beneath the stars and robbing the supporters of a corrupt regime. But as he grows closer to his companions, the darkness of their life starts to show. With not just friendship but his life at risk, Hob struggles to separate right from wrong. Can he do what is right and survive to see the results? Is there such a thing as honour among thieves?

Includes an afterword on the real Sherwood outlaws and the origins of the Robin Hood legend.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Andrew Knighton
• Release date: Feb 12, 2018
• ISBN: 9781386586951

Andrew Knighton

Andrew Knighton is a freelance writer and an author of science fiction, fantasy, and steampunk stories. He lives in Yorkshire with his cat, his computer, and a big pile of books.

Book preview

HONOUR AMONG THIEVES

The tension of the bowstring matched that in Hob’s body as he drew back his arrow and stepped from behind an oak. Horses whinnied, reined in by the merchant and his chainmail clad bodyguards on the woodland path. All three men reached for their swords, though their sneers told Hob how little they feared his short hunting bow. This far from any town, the woods were normally filled with the sound of birds and animals, but in that moment they fell silent.

Do you know who I am, you ignorant peasant? The merchant’s eyes glittered in the shadow of his silk hat.

You’re Harold of Wickham, Hob replied, fighting to keep his voice steady. It wasn’t just fear that he trembled with; there was exhilaration too, the thrill of this first act of defiance, and of knowing what was coming. You sent men to the Despensers to fight against my lord of Lancaster.

The guards nudged their horses forwards. Each man wore a blue tabard over his armour and carried a sword and shield. Their helmets were plain but strong looking, their expressions hard as stone.

You’re one of Lancaster’s thugs? Harold said. I heard some of you had turned to thieving. Hardly surprising.

Not thieving, Hob said, his voice growing stronger. Justice. Making the likes of you pay.

The likes of me? Harold pointed to the heavily loaded pack mules trailing behind him. I’m just an honest merchant.

Honest as Satan, observed Robert Deyville