Danton cast a quick measuring glance at the other members of their group. “I have only just arrived and do not yet know my intentions.”
“My Da and uncle and me… We all plan to fight the brigands.” The young man glanced earnestly at an older man standing just behind him. “Don’t we, Da?”
“Yes lad, we do.”
A short stocky man, presumably the uncle, joined in. “It’s got to be stopped, you know. You can’t have the kingdom’s road rife with thugs. If the king won’t attend to it, we’ll have to do it ourselves.”
Danton raised his eyebrows. “Do you doubt the king, sir?”
For a moment the man gobbled at him, his mouth opening and shutting soundlessly like a landed fish.
“Do not fear,” said Danton with a slight smile. “I am not the king’s agent. I am merely interested in the progress of popular op
