Daisy and Benji were mildly shocked as the big man with the dark hair and gleaming eyes confronted the knights. Even more so were they shocked by the sudden violence and the just as sudden and outrageous outcome. Daisy’s neck hairs were still standing on end as the place cleared out. When the man spoke she felt shivers down her spine and her knees quivered with the effort of holding the rest of her upright. Benji’s reaction was more typical of boys who see storybook-like heroics in front of them. He was grinning from ear to ear and could hardly contain his excitement.
As soon as the manager departed, Benji came forward and offered Mattrick his hand. "Sirrah, ye were a sight to be held. Where’d ye learn your fancy sword stuff from? That was amazin da way..." He trailed off as he noticed Mattrick staring at Daisy.
"Uh dat’s my friend Riecko. E’s a bit slow but a good fella." He said quickly hoping to fend off any thoughts the big man might have towards Daisy.
Mattrick ignored Benji and walked over to Daisy who like a deer caught in the trap of a hunter, was frightened but unable to run. Mattrick reached her and swiftly bowed. "Mattrick the tracker at your service, your highness." He uttered respectfully. Daisy felt a blush rising under her dirt stained face but kept her response neutral.
"No highness ‘ere sir. We is just a couple o lads on a questin’ journey."
"Milady, I knew who you were the moment you set foot in this place of ill-repute. Though I could not fathom why you were here at all. Particularly with that raggamuffin." He gestured to Benji.
"But this is no place to have such a discussion. Those knights were no ordinary men and their existence was due entirely to fell sorceries I hardly can reckon with. We must flee before more are summoned hither to our detriment. My horse Nightstar is at the stables next to the Golden Rooster. We shall go fetch her and my saddle bags and be on the road before midnight."
"We are thankful for your assistance Sir Mattrick The Tracker But we do not know you... nor your agenda. My friend and I are quite capable of fleeing on our own and do not need your aid."
"Just Mattrick. Those knights were not the only ones of their kind and while you might not recognize the insignia they bore, I do. The man they work for is one man you do not want to find you. Duke Callonway. A more sinister man you’ve never met. He is plotting something horrendous and you are in the midst of it. If he catches you, you will wish you’d stayed in your uncle’s tower nice and safe."
"How did you ...? You are well informed Just Mattrick. Fine. We will accompany you for as long as suits us. Benji let us go."