Kaell was to be seen racing the Highwaymen, and atop Warrock they could not equal him. His rebirth as the Wolf seemed to put him in stark contrast to the cook Shala used to know more and more. Most of these races were against Frankl himself, and Shala agreed with Bhask that the man did look quite young to be the leader of Highwaymen, seeing him so eagerly roped into Kaell's sports. He too lost every time, and of course Kaell was quick to remind him of that fact at every turn. Frankl seemed to accept it in good humour. ‘Maybe Master Bhask, it is you and I that should thunder our horses down the little forest avenues. I think that would make for a much fairer contest,’ he said with sly smile, his forehead shining and his unkempt hair wild after their latest race.
Bhask chuckled. ‘Dompel would not appreciate the occasion even if the flames of hell were on his heels.’
‘All the same, I thought we might take a slow ride, just us, I seem to remember a part of the woods near here that's more hospitable to private discussions.’
‘Very well then,’ said Bhask, realizing the man had something important to say.
Frankl took them off-trail, riding in solitude with the Princess and her two Wolves. It was a ways into the quiet woods before he was happy to speak up.
‘Might I ask where it is that you're fleeing to?’ asked Frankl.
‘I don't think that's a wise topic to broach,’ said Bhask.
‘I only bring it up because I have a warning to give you concerning my own men, and I think it links directly to whatever mission you find yourselves on.’
‘We are escaping an angry lord and nothing more,’ Bhask reminded Frankl.
Frankl ignored Bhask's insistence of their non-importance.
‘The Highwaymen unfortunately loses and recruits men at an alarming rate. Our numbers are typical swollen with men from all walks of life. Mostly lowlifes, but sometimes even gloomier things than rats enter our ranks. But I know men who are Highwaymen at heart, and I know those who are riding with us for reasons not associated with the brotherhood.’
‘Highwaymen at heart?’ laughed Kaell, ‘who aspires to be one of you?’
‘Oh it's clear enough to see, your traditional Highwayman has a bit of a stupid look behind the eyes. They have no real chance succeeding in higher positions in life. As part of the brotherhood of Highwaymen though, they thrive.’
‘What does that make of you?’ asked Kaell.
‘Something more than meets the eye, of course my friend! Although I do care for these wretches - I am of the variety that rides with these men because I can control them, and use them as a vessel for my own means. As such I recognize when something not quite like us join our ranks.’
‘And what would they be?’
‘There are two men among us, who I think are members of the Guild of Hands,’ explained Frankl.
Bhask lifted an eyebrow.
‘Do not doubt me Bhask. And do not pretend to be surprised. I know you are important persons.’
‘Will you take care of them?’ asked Bhask.
‘I am not going to start a private war with the Guild. They are vengeful bastards and I'm little flattered that they had taken the time to infiltrate my band.’
‘Are we still safe?’ asked Bhask.
‘If they dare lift a hand to you while in our company we'll sag down on them like a pack of dogs. It is when you leave us Master Bhask that you must tread with caution. I feel that they will come for you, or rather, that beauty you seek to spirit away,’ he said, winking at Shala.
‘I know their ways. If you can guarantee our protection for awhile more, we won't run afoul of them I'm certain,’ said Bhask, looking very keen to avoid the discussion in general.
‘What I can tell you is that it's their nature to infiltrate every possible segment of mankind worth mentioning. If they hunt you, they will have members wherever you may go.’
Bhask shrugged. ‘I can't imagine us worthwhile enough for them to spend their resources on us.’
Frankl chucked. ‘I know you think that I'm fishing for information. But I would hate to see the three of you fall prey to these kinds of men. You're a strange group, but I feel that, given time, I would really grow to like you bunch!’
Dream of Embers Book 1 Page 39
