The Golden Gate

"Manse Everard returned to Wanda Tamberly near sunset. Light streamed through the Golden Gate. From their suite they saw cable cars go clanging down towards the waterfront, islands and the further shore rising steep from a silver-blue bay, sails like wings of some wandering flock. They had hoped to be out there themselves." ("Death And The Knight" IN Time Patrol, p. 746)

We might remember Trygve Yamamura and the Great Flock of Lannach. As often happens, I have appreciated Poul Anderson's descriptive details more keenly by quoting than by merely reading them. On this occasion, the sunset sends light streaming through the Golden Gate but does not signify an ending for the characters. In fact, Everard and Wanda are just beginning a relationship as, unfortunately, the series ends.

Why does the Patrol interrupt Everard's holiday to ask him to take an assignment in 1307? Why did they not contact him at the end of the holiday? Do they know that something else will happen then? Everard, at least, takes full advantage of time travel. He does not have to leave immediately and will return to Wanda within an hour so that for her the holiday is not interrupted.