A funny thing happened on the way to Silchester

Emrys was uncharacteristically late leaving, Albanus noted. Normally they were up and well on the way by the time hearths were being unbanked and fired up. Lately, however, Emrys seemed to be more concerned with Wyndda than most anything else.

Albanus couldn't argue. He hoped his bride to be, whomever she was, loved him as much as Wyndda loved Emrys. He swore to follow his knight's lead in loving her. Whomever she might be.

Eventually they were on the road from Lavington to Sarum. Emrys was due to pick up a few more last minute thoughts from Roderick before leaving. Albanus didn't even know the road they were going to take or whom would be accompanying them. Unsurprising, Emrys was as closed mouthed as ever. Except when he talked about Wyndda.

Late spring continues to be as wet as early spring leaving the roads a muddy mush until summer finally arrives to dry it out. At that point things take a hard turn to the pitted and dusty and giving the peasants the added burden of repairing the roads that cross their villages. It is no different in Silchester.

What is different is that instead of being met with violence at the border they are stopped by a small patrol. The leader is Cymric, unusual in Silchester, and his arms are Vert, in bend sinister three acorns Or. Sir Maron, Emrys remembers from previous violent encounters.

"Halt Sir Emrys," he calls out, "State your purpose in Silchester."