Three weeks after Sir Peter taught Lady Vivian how to catch chickens, he found himself standing at attention in her father's council chamber.
"Sir Peter," King Olaf began, "you have been recommended to me by your superiors as a capable and responsible man."
"Thank you, milord."
"I hope their assessment of you is correct, because I am about to give you an assignment of utmost importance." Suddenly, the king stepped menacingly near Sir Peter, and growled loudly into his ear. "I love my daughter. Her safety is of the utmost importance to me." King Olaf turned and took a few steps away. "I have decided to allow her to visit the court of Lord Godwin and a few of the larger towns along the way. She has taken it into her head to collect recipes, or some such nonsense. I don't like to let the girl out of my sight, but I think this time it is a good idea." He turned again to stand nose to nose with Sir Peter. "You, sir, will be responsible for protecting her at all times, while she is travelling. Do not fail me, or I promise you will regret the day you were born."
Sir Peter remained appropriately still, and King Olaf paced as he continued speaking. "Vivian has been behaving strangely since we returned from Camelot, pining over that Pendragon boy, and I hardly know her. Lord Godwin has a daughter her age, and I think the company will be good for her. I think it best to do it now, while it is still midsummer. There will not be a better time for such travelling."
The king turned again to face him. "Do not accept this assignment lightly. It will not be easy. I expect you to keep her out of trouble. She has a knack for trouble – she attracts it, like flies to horses. She's too pretty for her own good, she's too young to have an ounce of wisdom in her head, and she has a tongue that could fell an oak tree. You must be completely vigilant. Hear me, Sir Peter," At this the King roughly grabbed him by the tunic and drew their faces uncomfortably close together, "If I learn that she has done anything foolish, or that anyone has so much as touched her, I'll hold you personally responsible. Do you understand?"
"Yes sire. I understand, sir."
"Good." The king walked to his chair and sat down. "You will leave on Friday. I have instructed Sir William to help you prepare for the journey – you will report to him tomorrow morning. You are dismissed."
Sir Peter turned on his heel and walked swiftly out of the room.