They crossed the bridge over the city ditch, its mire of ordure giving off a foul odor. On the rutted road over the open moor, farm buildings, barns and almshouses surrounded them. The church bells faded and the barking of dogs grew loud as they rode by a kennel beside a stream. Houses, on piles driven into the earth, stood in clusters over the marsh. The party followed well-worn tracks as the clouds thickened. Once free of the city"s confines, Denys welcomed the cold sprinkle of raindrops on her face and hands.
“Malmesbury in five days, then I shall know who I am, God willing,” and Mother Nature answered with a new burst of rain to refresh her. She threw off her headdress and let her hair tumble down her back.
* * *
As Denys journeyed to Malmesbury to find her beginnings, Valentine tho
