Esneux Village
Its not far as the crow flies, but it is half a day as the horse trots due to the narrow, winding paths. It is not lost on them that a wolf would make much better time.
After a few hours their guide, the false pilgrim whose name is Fons, leads them into a heavy thicket that seems foolish to cross but a man can pass easily and with some effort the squires clear it enough for horses. Once through they emerge into easy, rolling hills in the mountain valley.
Ahead, about another hour away across the valley floor the see Eingarhall Castle looming above the pass. It looks as if it is built into the mountain itself and its central tower soars 50 feet (15m) above the curtain wall.
The village sits below with several small buildings climbing up the sides of the mountain but the main portion is nestled in the slope up to Eingarhall on one side, the road east/northwest on another and the river on the third.
Their path takes them around through the fields and vales to the road and then to the river ford. The river is low and slow from the blockage upstream but the banks are steep and form a natural moat so the ford is the only meaningful crossing.
And it is fortified and guarded by a dozen men at arms armed with spears, shields and the old-fashioned francisca axe for which the Franks are named. They are clad in maille byrnies with coifs and leather caps. Their equipment is testament to Sir Eingar's wealth and their presence at the ford speaks to his power.
Their captain steps forward as they approach and calls out, "Hail, Sirs. This crossing is held by Sir Eingar of Eingarshall in the name of the king. Crossing for gentles is two denier per rider."
Just down stream of the ford is a mill whose wheel is still for the lack of water to turn it.