A wooden wall with two towers flanking the gate surrounded the keep of Sanctá-Menehilde, built on rock. The inanimate mass brooded and challenged malefactors to breach its defences. Yet as Begiloc and Caena approached, the entry swung back and the sentry jerked his head toward the tower.
A variety of timber and wattle and daub houses clustered in the shadow of the castle, where women of all ages went about their tasks; Begiloc and Caena had passed the men at work in the fields outside the sheer stone walls, whose parapets offered a view for miles in every direction. No unseen approach was possible.
The gloom of the entrance served to sharpen other senses assailed by aromas from the kitchen and the clamour of servants shouting and receiving orders. One indicated to leave their weapons and
