Ten days later on a cold, windy morning, the expected party rode in. The knights had received word that the party had been sighted. They waited on the Wall, nervous and expectant. Tristan was with them also but to anyone who looked he seemed preoccupied with exercising his bird.

Soon the riders came into view, riding in a single file. There were six, five wearing helmets. They had a servant with them and two additional pack animals with their travel gear. They had obviously traveled light, presumably stopping at Roman outposts along the way for food and lodging.

As they came closer Tristan could see that the newcomers were also a wary, dusty lot, looking as though they were unsure of their welcome after their arduous journey, as well as impressed by the Wall they had no doubt heard much of. They slowed down as they came closer, looking around with interest at the small crowds gathered by the roadsides. Villagers and trades people had come to see this unprecedented event – new knights coming to the Wall. While Roman legionaries, identical in their bright red uniforms, came from and went to stations father south occasionally, the villagers could not remember a time when new knights appeared at the Wall. They were used to seeing only Arthur's knights riding by, and diminishing in number over the years.

The sentry on the Wall called out a challenge to the strangers, even though everyone knew perfectly well who they must be. The leader trotted his horse a little closer, looked up and answered in a clear voice into the sudden silence, 'I am Senna, in temporary charge of my company of Sarmatian knights, come to report for duty to Commander Arthur Castus.'

'Open the gates,' said Arthur quietly to the sentry and marched down the stairs to the courtyard, Lancelot and the others following in his wake. Tristan preferred to watch from above, unobtrusive and out of the way.

The gates to the fort courtyard were pulled open with ceremonious slowness and the newcomers filed through led by Senna, a serious looking thirty something man. Once they were all through, Senna dismounted and looked around for Arthur, their new commander. The others dismounted as well, and occupied themselves with soothing their horses, gladly leaving the task of introductions to Senna. Though they outwardly maintained an impassive mask, Tristan perceived edginess in their movements.

Arthur walked forward to receive his new charges. 'I am Arthur Castus, Commander of this outpost. We have been expecting you. I hope you had an agreeable journey.' He added courteously. Arthur was always cautious to form opinions of strangers.

Senna tucked his helmet under his left arm and formally saluted Arthur with a right arm clasped to the chest. 'Sir, I am Senna, in temporary command of my fellows.' He gestured back to them and the knights behind him took off their helmets.

There was an audible murmur from onlookers as the last of the knights, second rider from the rear, was revealed to be a woman. Tristan looked closer to see that she was dressed differently as well, in light leather armor not breast plates and armed lightly. She was of medium height with a small, tight braid of hair. Her darker complexion and almond eyes elicited further comments and nudges. She looked around calmly as though she was used to such stares; she probably was, he judged.

Senna gestured his fellows to come forward and they did. As he introduced each of them, they saluted their new commander and bowed their heads respectfully. There were really four Sarmatian knights including Senna – Percy, Eric and Gault being the others. Senna introduced the woman last.

'This is Dani,' said Senna and added quietly, 'She has been serving with our company under our late commander for many years'. Dani bowed her head and touched her forehead. The crowd grew silent to hear Arthur speak.

'You are tired and hungry. Lancelot,' Arthur smiled, gesturing to the handsome curly haired knight, 'will show you to your quarters, where you may refresh yourselves. He has arranged for your first meal in your quarters. We will meet in the evening. Welcome to your new home.' Arthur left them to Lancelot.

Arthur's knights restrained themselves from coming forward, letting Lancelot settle his charges. The crowd slowly dispersed as Lancelot led the newcomers in the direction of the stable with a speculative smile towards the woman. Sarmatians always saw to their horses first. The woman looked up and met Tristan's gaze with eyes as inscrutable as his own, before turning to follow her friends.