Safe Warm and Dry Elsewhere.

A strong cold wind had sprung up. It was still raining.

You know, said Margaret, as they emerged from the deserted village onto the forest path, in spite of the rain and the wind and all the the discomfort, I've never felt so ALIVE!

Good, said Gaius, as his umbrella blew inside out.

Imagine, said Margaret, that we are Cathars, approaching the medieval cité, in weather like this.

I am imagining it, Margaret, said Gaius, through gritted teeth.

The path was slippery and uphill. He tripped on a rock.

Imagine, said Margaret. We turn a corner and there before us is the castle, warmth and safety at last.

Wonderful said Gaius, dropping further behind.

What's wrong with your umbrella? asked Margaret. Is it broken?

I told you it was broken before we set off, said Gaius. It's no use at all.

Have a crisp, said Margaret, coming back.

Thank you, said Gaius.

It's not very nice here, said Margaret.

No it isn't, said Gaius.  Look at my shoes.

His green crocs were covered in clay.

At last they saw the castle in the distance. They struggled on in the wind and the rain.

I think we should leave Carcassonne in the morning, said Margaret.

Done, said Gaius. We'll leave in the morning for La Rochelle. It's sure to be nicer there.

I hope Baby Pierre is back safe from Quillan, said Margaret.

They both thought of Baby Pierre, riding home on the last bus from Quillan, safe and warm and dry.