Sir Corc’s eyes suddenly turned sad. “Yes. He is one of the most powerful and dangerous beings alive, and the gruagach are completely loyal to his every command. He wants all gurgs returned to him, and his subjects will stop at nothing to please him. We do not know his intentions, but they can only be designs of evil. You have to stay away from him at all costs.”

Pocket nodded quickly. “Well then, can I stay with you?”

“Only if you do not go running off again.”

It was strange having Sir Corc so close. “I promise.”

“Good.” The knight released him and stood, turning back to the road. “We should be…”

He trailed off, and Pocket followed his gaze up the road to find Rosheen speeding back towards them, her wings a furious blur.

“Red Caps,” she said when she reached them. Despite the urgency of her movement her voice remained calm. “A mile ahead. Four of them guarding a large wagon.”

“A road block?”

Rosheen shook her head. “The horses are still attached and traveling the same direction we are. It looks like they just stopped…waiting.”

Sir Corc took only a moment’s time to think. “If you would go and get Flyn. Bring him here. We will await you off the road…,” the knight scanned the landscape and pointed, “…there, in that copse of trees.”

Rosheen left without hesitation. Pocket wrapped Backbone’s guide rope tightly around his hand and led the mule off the road, following Sir Corc into the dense thicket nestled in the low hills. They did not have to wait long before the piskie returned, the squire close behind her at the run.

“Only four?” the squire asked as he slid to a halt. “What are we waiting for?”

“You,” Sir Corc told him. “I need you to stay here with Pocket. Muckle and I need to go ahead for a better look. Rosheen, I want you to go with us. As soon as we find a way around, I will need you to come back here and fetch these two.”

“You mean not to take the wagon?” Bantam Flyn asked.

“No,” the knight replied flatly.

“But there could be prisoners inside!” Flyn declared. “Slaves!”

“It could be barrels of headcheese,” Muckle told the squire dryly.

Flyn remained resolute. “So…supplies. Those should be denied an enemy during war! It is worth a look!”

“Yes,” Sir Corc agreed. “And it is a look I am going to take.” He motioned at Muckle and Rosheen. “Come.”

Flyn scowled at the knight’s back as the trio made their way through the copse. They stuck to the trees where they could, keeping the road a good distance to their left. Pocket had a good view of them as they entered the hills, but they were soon lost to sight over the rolling landscape.

“Left with the baggage.” Flyn gave a self-mocking laugh and pulled lightly on one of Backbone’s ears.