If he had any more reservations, for the moment at least, they were eased by the new lilt in his voice and the way that his eyes appeared to soften. It had always fascinated him how a mask could express so much with so little but he took a different pleasure in it now- and not a little pride at his progress in learning to read those subtle expressions.

Robin smiled encouragingly. "Excellent. I have yet to fully acquaint myself with them either but I'm sure we'll manage between the two of us," he said, "We should use the folly as a landmark."

It was frankly embarrassing that he had probably spent more time staring forlornly out of the windows of his room at the grounds than actually being in them. The late autumn air, damp and crisp and prickling with smoky smells, had revived his appetite for exploration in such a boyish kind of way that he couldn't help but share Warsman's enthusiasm.