The long road and the leaning grey stone

During Wenna's early visit, cloud concealed the road as it descended beyond the entrance. The greeting custom placed a steward at the gate to ring once a traveller became visible at the bend below.

Wenna watched that bend for the boy carrying supplies and planned the timing of her greeting. When the bell sounded without her pulling the rope, the bend and the visible road were still empty. A woman subsequently appeared beside the stone and climbed steadily with a pack, broad hat, and walking stick. She later said she had heard the ringing while still farther downhill than the stone. By evening, the road appeared grey above a valley filling with shadow. Wenna sent another ringing down it and watched the stone's bend for a long time, but the route remained empty as darkness deepened.