Blondel's attire was rich, and suitable to a person of high rank.
They crossed to the Scheldt, and thence traveled by the right bank of the Rhine as far as Mannheim, sometimes journeying by boat, sometimes on foot.

They were also hospitably entertained, and were considered to more than repay their hosts by the songs which Blondel sang.
At Mannheim they purchased two horses, and then struck east for Vienna.
The journey was not without danger, for a large portion of this part of Europe was under no settled government, each petty baron living in his own castle, and holding but slight allegiance to any feudal lord, making war upon his neighbor on his own account, levying blackmail from travelers, and perpetually at variance with the burghers of the towns.
The hills were covered with immense forests, which stretched for many leagues in all directions, and these were infested by wolves, bears, and robbers.
The latter, however, although men without pity or religion, yet held the troubadours in high esteem, and the travelers without fear entered the gloomy shades of the forest.
They had not gone far when their way was barred by a number of armed men.
"I am a minstrel," Blondel said; "and as such doubt not that your courtesy will be extended to me." "Of a surety," the leader said; "the gay science is as much loved and respected in the greenwood as in the castle; and moreover, the purses of those who follow it are too light to offer any temptation to us.

We would pray you, however, to accompany us to our leader, who will mightily rejoice to see you, for he loves music, and will gladly be your host so long as you will stay with him." Blondel, without objection, turned his horse's head and accompanied the men, followed by Cuthbert.

After half an hour's traveling they came to a building which had formerly been a shrine, but which was now converted to the robbers' headquarters.

The robber chief, on hearing from his followers the news that a minstrel had arrived, came forward to meet him, and courteously bade him welcome.
"I am Sir Adelbert, of Rotherheim," he said, "although you see me in so poor a plight.