noon
A few miles from Tann the road forks . One branch leads toward the capital and the other winds over the hills in the direction of Blentz . The fork occurs within the boundaries of the Old Forest . Great trees overhang the winding road , casting a twilight shade even at high noon . It is a lonely spot , far from any habitation . As the Princess Emma approached the fork she reined in her mount , for across the road to Lustadt a dozen horsemen barred her way . At first she thought nothing of it , turning her horse 's head to the righthand side of the road to pass the party , all of whom were in uniform ; but as she did so one of the men reined directly in her path .