Who is David's Followers from A Tale of Three Kings and what is their importance?

David's followers are not the perfect citizens they will one day become. David's followers are thieves and criminals who have been run out of Saul's kingdom much the same way David was. However, they are good people who need a good leader to show them the error of their ways and help them become better people. David is reluctant to take this role, but takes it because it seems to be the desire of God that he do. Many of these followers remain with David for many years, showing up at his side the day Absalom tries to steal his kingdom. If not for these followers, David would not have a kingdom and there would be nothing for Absalom to steal.