The first indication that something unusual was happening was the sound. To his immense displeasure, Lord Mellester was immediately called and reappeared outside the hall in a rage. What he saw stopped him hard in his tracks.

A double column of armed knights mounted on destriers snaked down the road heading towards the manor. It was an impressive sight, accompanied by the jingling of spurs, the a clanking of shiny armour and the sound of hooves on the hard-packed road. The ...