Here and there, upon craggy points, were situate the fortalices of the barons.

Little villages nestled in the woods, or stood by the river bank, and a fairer scene could not be witnessed in Europe.
"That is Rotherheim," the knight said, pointing to a fortress standing on a crag, which rose high above the woods around it; "and that," he said, pointing to another some four miles away, similarly placed, "is my own." Cuthbert examined closely the fortress of Rotherheim.

It was a large building, with towers at the angles, and seemed to rise almost abruptly from the edge of the rock.

Inside rose the gables and round turrets of the dwelling-place of the baron, and the only access was by a steep winding path on the riverside.
"It is indeed a strong place," Cuthbert said, "and difficult to take by surprise.

A watch no doubt is always kept over the entrance, and there we can hope for no success.