Passing the preserved comestibles with a delighted interest in them (and plucking a copious handful of sundried raisins from a nearby barrel into an eager mouth) Cedar made his way with the prince to the far back of the cellar.

His enthusiasm and mirth at being practically surrounded by food quickly gave way to dread, as an unfamiliar voiced drifted in from upstairs, sendung his fur upright and bristly despite the wet and mud. He had blocked the roads himself-- NOBODY should be paying a housecall!

Silently, he motioned the prince to remain quiet, and hurry getting changed while he listened intently to what was happening upstairs...