Gertrude and Norman donned their cloaks and hats and braved the white cloud of heavy, falling snow. The wind and snow tore at their bare faces as they trudged to the nearby stable where a saddled horse pawed the ground impatiently. By the time they reached Gillion’s house, they were chilled to the bone. Norman turned to Gertrude as if she were going to say something to him. She walked over to him and hugged him. “Please be careful, my friend.”
Gertrude looked into the princess’ face and saw tears of concern. “I will be careful.” He turned and disappeared into the snowy street leading down to his home and she went inside to warm by a blazing fire.