Both Sir Philip and Wil bowed respectfully in response to Elizabeth’s curtsy. Philip was able to completely hide the annoyance he felt at having the girl tag along. This was not a garden party they had been invited to – the King was investigating a murder.<br/><br/>“My lady, we are honored to be in your company for the journey,” he said politely regardless of how he felt on the matter. “Since I assume you will be riding with a lady’s saddle, I will be sure to lead us at an appropriate pace. However if I forget myself, please do not hesitate to remind me.”<br/><br/>Philip was talking about the need to travel more slowly as Elisabeth would likely ride side-saddle.  Ladies’ saddles allowed them to keep both legs on the same side of the horse in order to provide a measure of dignity when riding in a gown. Unfortunately this also meant that ladies had less control of their mounts when compared to men who rode by straddling their horses. This in turn usually required a more leisurely pace for ladies to safely remain in their saddles.<br/><br/>Wil, however, had the opposite problem as Philip. He appeared blushed and invigorated by the prospect of traveling with Elisabeth and did everything he could to look serious and composed. It wasn’t working very well, though, and Philip took notice. The older man gave his protégé more than one sharp look while they waited for Elisabeth’s response.<br/><br/>Philip next turned to Peter. “Master Peter, we welcome your presence as well. May I ask how you fare this morning?”<br/><br/>Once Peter had replied Philip went on to make an awkward request.<br/><br/>“I think you know what I am about to ask, Peter,” he continued in a low tone so that no one other than the four of them could overhear. “As your father probably has explained – once we are out of sight of the castle I will ask you to hand your sword and any other weapons you have over to Wylyam for safe keeping during our journey. Is that acceptable to you?”<br/><br/>While Philip felt strongly about this point he was not about to argue about it in the open. If the boy refused he would simply let the King know, which would in turn make him look guilty. Philip was not overly concerned about Peter as a threat to him since he believed the boy to be innocent. Innocent or not, however, agents of the King’s Justice were still required to do their duties. One of those duties was to present a murder suspect to the King unarmed.<br/><br/>Once that had been sorted out Philip suggested they mount their horses and make their way out of the castle gates. Wylyam made it a point to help Elisabeth up onto her horse, despite Philip’s eye rolling in the background. As he held her stirrup with one hand he reached out to her with his other, meanwhile he managed to catch her eye with a warm smile.<br/><br/>Given the fact that Philip was watching Wil like a hawk the only feasible way they could speak on the road was if she directly addressed Wil. That was something that Wil hoped would happen from time to time. Once mounted up with their provisions Philip gave the order to depart.