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+*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 13054 ***
+
+A THANE OF WESSEX
+
+Being a Story of the Great Viking Raids into Somerset
+
+By
+
+CHARLES W. WHISTLER
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I. OUTLAWED!
+
+
+The whole of my story seems to me to begin on the day when I stood,
+closely guarded, before my judges, in the great circle of the people at
+the Folk Moot of the men of Somerset gathered on the ancient hill of
+Brent. All my life before that seems to have been as nothing, so quiet
+and uneventful it was compared to what came after. I had grown from
+boyhood to manhood in my father's great hall, on the little hill of
+Cannington that looks out over the mouth of the river Parret to the blue
+hills beyond. And there, when I was but two-and-twenty and long
+motherless, I succeeded him as thane, and tried to govern my people as
+well and wisely as he, that I too might die loved and honoured as he
+died. And that life lasted but three years.
+
+Maybe, being young and headstrong, I spoke at times, when the feasting
+was over and the ale cup went round, too boldly of the things that were
+beyond me, and dared, in my want of experience, to criticize the ways of
+the king and his ordering of matters--thinking at the same time no
+thought of disloyalty; for had anyone disparaged the king to myself my
+sword would have been out to chastise the speaker in a moment. But, as
+it ever is, what seems wrong in another may be passed over in oneself.
+
+However that may be, it came to pass that Matelgar, the thane of Stert,
+a rich and envious man, saw his way through this conceit of mine to his
+own profit. For Egbert, the wise king, was but a few years dead, and it
+was likely enough that some of the houses of the old seven kings might
+dare to make headway against Ethelwulf his successor, and for a time the
+words of men were watched, lest an insurrection might be made unawares.
+I thought nothing of this, nor indeed dreamt that such a thing might be,
+nor did one ever warn me.
+
+My father and this Matelgar were never close friends, the open nature of
+the one fitting ill with the close and grasping ways of the other. Yet,
+when Matelgar spoke me fair at the rere-feast of my father's funeral,
+and thereafter would often ride over and sup with me, I was proud to
+think, in my foolishness, that I had won the friendship that my father
+could not win, and so set myself even above him from whom I had learnt
+all I knew of wisdom.
+
+And that conceit of mine was my downfall. For Matelgar, as I was soon to
+find out, encouraged my foolishness, and, moreover, brought in friends
+and bought men of his, who, by flattering me, soon made themselves my
+boon companions, treasuring up every word that might tell against me
+when things were ripe.
+
+Then at last, one day as I feasted after hunting the red deer on the
+Quantocks, my steward came into my hall announcing messengers from the
+king. They followed close on his heels, and I, who had seen nothing of
+courts, wondered that so many armed men should be needed in a peaceful
+hall, and yet watched them as one watches a gay show, till some fifty
+men of the king's household lined my hall and fifty more blocked the
+doorway. My people watched too, and I saw a smile cross from one of
+Matelgar's men to another, but thought no guile.
+
+Then one came forward and arrested me in the king's name as a traitor,
+and I drew my sword on him, telling him he lied in giving me that name,
+calling too on my men to aid me. But they were overmatched, and dared
+not resist, for the swords of the king's men were out, and, moreover, I
+saw that Matelgar's men were weaponless. He himself was not with me, and
+still I had no thought of treachery.
+
+So the end was that I was pinioned from behind and bound, and taken away
+that night to where I knew not. Only, wherever it was, I was kept in
+darkness and chains, maddened by the injustice of the thing and my own
+helplessness, till I lost count of days, and at last hope itself. And
+all that time the real reason for my arrest, and for the accusation that
+caused it, never entered my mind, and least of all did I suspect that
+Matelgar, my friend, was at the bottom of it. Indeed, I hoped at first
+that, hearing of my trouble, he would interfere and procure my release,
+till, as I say, hope was gone.
+
+It was March when I was taken to prison. It was into broad May sunshine
+and greenness that I was brought out by my surly jailers at last, set,
+half blind with the darkness of the prison, on a good horse, and so,
+with my hands bound behind me, led off in the midst of a strong guard to
+the place of my trial.
+
+Then, as mind and feeling came back to me with the fresh air and
+springtime warmth, I knew the place we were leaving: It was the castle
+of a friend of Matelgar--and that seemed strange to me, for I had been
+hardly treated, seeing none save the men who fed me and saw that my
+chains were kept secure. Then I looked in the faces of my guards, but
+all were unknown to me. As I had not before been to that castle as a
+guest, I was not surprised, and I said nothing to them, for I had found
+the uselessness of question and entreaty when I spoke at the first to
+the jailers.
+
+So, silently, we rode on, and the world looked very fair to me after the
+long grayness of the prison walls.
+
+One who knows the west country, hunting through it as I have hunted,
+grows to love and recognize the changing shapes of every hill and coombe
+and spur of climbing forest on their sides, and so, before long, I knew
+we were making for the great hill of Brent, but why I could not tell.
+Then we crossed Parret river, and I watched a salmon leap as we did so;
+and then on over the level marshes till I could see that the wide circle
+on Brent top was black with swarming people. Often enough, as the cloud
+shadows passed from them, arms and bright armour sparkled in the
+sunlight among the crowd; and then I could have wept, having no arms or
+harness left me, for often when aforetime I rode free I would take a
+childish pleasure in seeing the churls blink and shade their eyes as I
+flashed on them, and would wonder, too, if my weapons shone as my
+father's shone as we rode side by side on some sunny upland.
+
+Then, when we came under the hill of Brent, the hum of voices came down
+to us, for the day was still, and my guards straightened themselves in
+the saddle and set their ranks more orderly. But I, clad as I was in the
+rags of the finery I had worn at the feast whence I was taken, shrank
+within myself, ashamed to meet the gazes that must be turned on me
+presently, for I saw that we were going on up the steep ascent to mix
+with the crowd on the summit of the great knoll.
+
+Now, by this time the long ride had brought back my senses to me, and I
+began to take more thought for myself and what might be meant by this
+journey. At first I had been so stunned and dazed by the release--as
+my removal from the dungeon seemed to me--that I had been content to
+feel the light and air play about me once more; but that strangeness had
+worn off now, and the consciousness of being yet a prisoner took hold of
+me.
+
+My guards had ridden silent, either in obedience to command, or because
+a Saxon is not often given to talk when under some responsibility, so
+that I had learnt nothing from them thus far. But as we turned our
+horses' heads up the steep, a longing at last came over me to speak, and
+I turned to a gray-bearded man who had ridden silently at my right hand
+all the morning and asked him plainly whither he was taking me, and for
+answer he pointed up the hill, saying nothing.
+
+Then I asked him why I must be taken there, and, grimly enough, he
+replied in two words, "For trial", and so I knew that the Great Moot [i]
+was summoned, and that presently I should know the whole meaning of this
+thing that had befallen me. Then my spirits began to rise, for, being
+conscious of no wrongdoing, I looked forward to speedy release with full
+proof of innocence.
+
+Then I began to look about me and to note the crowds of people whom the
+Moot had gathered. So many and various were these that I and my guards
+passed with little notice among those who toiled up the hill with us,
+the crowd growing thicker as we neared the edge of the first great
+square platform on the hilltop. And when we reached this, my guards
+reined up to breathe their horses, for Brent has from this first
+platform a yet steeper rise to the ancient circle on the very summit.
+Men say that both platform and circle are the work of the Welsh, whom
+our Saxon forefathers drove out and enslaved, but however this may be,
+they were no idle workmen who raised the great earthworks that are there.
+
+All the many acres of that great platform were covered with wagons and
+carts, and everywhere were set booths and tents, and in them men and
+women were eating and drinking, having come from far. There were, too,
+shows of every kind to beguile the hours of waiting or to tempt the
+curious, for many of the people, thralls and unfree men, had taken
+holiday with their masters, and had come to see the Moot, though they
+had no part in the business thereof.
+
+So there were many gaily-dressed tumblers and dancers, jugglers and
+gleemen, each with a crowd round them. But among these crowds were few
+freemen, so that I judged that the Moot was set, and that they were
+gathered on the higher circle that was yet before us to be climbed.
+
+I had been on Brent once or twice before, but then it had been deserted,
+and my eyes had had time and inclination to look out over the wide view
+of hill and plain and sea and distant Welsh mountains beyond that. Now I
+thought nothing of these things, but looked up to where it seemed that I
+must be judged. I could make out one or two banners pitched and floating
+idly in the sunshine, and one seemed to have a golden cross at its stave
+head; but I could make out none of the devices on them, and so I looked
+idly back on the crowd again. And then men brought us food and ale, and
+at last, after some gruff talk among themselves, the guards untied my
+hands, though they left my feet bound under the saddle girths, and bade
+me help myself.
+
+Nor was I loth to eat heartily, with the freshness of the ride on me,
+and with the hope of freedom strong in my heart.
+
+Then we waited for an hour or more, and the sun began to slope westward,
+and my guards seemed to grow impatient. Still the crowds did not thin,
+and if one group of performers ceased another set began their antics.
+
+At last a richly-clad messenger came towards us, the throng making hasty
+way for him, and spoke to the leader of our party. Then, following him,
+we rode to the foot of the great mound, and there dismounted. And now
+they bound my hands again, and if I asked them to forbear I cannot well
+remember, but I think I did so in vain. For my mind was in a great
+tumult as we climbed the hill, wondering and fearing and hoping all at
+once, and longing to see who were my judges, and to have this matter
+ended once for all.
+
+We passed, I think, two groups coming down from some judgment given, and
+of these I know one contained a guarded and ironed man with a white, set
+face; and the other was made up of people who smiled and talked rapidly,
+leading one who had either gained a cause or had been acquitted. There
+were perhaps other people who met us or whom we passed, but these are
+the two I remember of them all. Then we gained the summit and stood
+there waiting for orders, as it seemed, and I could look round on all
+the ring.
+
+And at first I seemed to be blinded by the brilliance of that assembly,
+for our Saxon folk love bright array and fair jewellery on arm and neck.
+Men sat four and six deep all round the great circle, leaving only the
+gap where we should enter; and right opposite that gap seemed the place
+of honour, for there were a score or more of chairs set, each with a
+thane thereon, and in the midst of them sat those behind whom the
+banners were raised. Near us at this end of the circle were the lesser
+freemen, and so round each bend of the ring to right and left in order
+of rank till those thanes were reached who were highest.
+
+Before those stood some disputants, as it seemed, and I could not see
+the faces of the seated thanes clearly at first. But presently I knew
+the banners--they were those of Eanulf the Ealdorman, and of Ealhstan
+the Bishop. And when I saw the first I feared, for the great ealdorman
+was a stern and pitiless man, from all I had ever heard; but when I knew
+that banner with the golden cross above it, my heart was lighter, for
+all men loved and spoke well of the bishop.
+
+It seemed long before that trial was over; but at last the men ceased
+speaking, and the thanes seemed to take counsel upon it; and then Eanulf
+pronounced judgment, and the men sat down in their places in the ring,
+for it was, as one could tell, some civil dispute of boundary, or road,
+or the like which had been toward.
+
+Then there was a silence for a space, until the ealdorman rose and spoke
+loudly, for all the great ring to hear.
+
+"There is one more case this day that must come before this Moot, and
+that is one which brings shame on this land of ours. That one from among
+the men of Somerset should speak ill of Ethelwulf the King, and plot
+against him, is not to be borne. But that all men may know and fear the
+doom that shall be to such an one, he has been brought for trial by the
+Moot, with full proof of his guilt in this matter, that Somerset itself,
+as it were, should pronounce his sentence."
+
+Now, when the assembly heard that, a murmur went round, and, as it
+seemed to me, of surprise mixed with wrath. And I myself felt the same
+for the moment--but then the eyes of all turned in a flash upon me--
+and I remembered the accusation that had been brought against me, and I
+knew that it was I of whom Eanulf spoke. Then shame fell on me, to give
+place at once to anger, and I think I should have spoken hotly, but that
+at some sign from the ealdorman, my guards laid hold of me, and led me
+across the open space and set me before him and the bishop.
+
+But as he with the others laid hands on me, that gray-bearded man, who
+had answered me when I asked my one question, whispered hastily in my
+ear, "Be silent and keep cool."
+
+I would he were alive now; but that might not be. And I knew not then
+why he thus spoke, unless he had known and loved my father.
+
+So I stood before those two judges and looked them in the face; and then
+one moved uneasily in his seat to their left, and my eyes were drawn to
+him. It was Matelgar, and, as I saw him, I smiled for I thought him a
+friend at least; but he looked not at me. Then from him I turned to seek
+the face of some other whom I might know. And I saw thanes, friends of
+my father, whom I had not cared to seek; and of these some frowned on
+me, but some looked pityingly, as I thought, though it was but for a
+moment that my eyes might leave the faces of those two judges before me.
+
+Now, were it not that when I go over what followed my heart still rises
+up again in a wrath and mad bitterness that I fain would feel no more, I
+would tell all of that trial, if trial one could call it, where there
+was none to speak for the accused, and every word was against him.
+
+And in that trial I myself took little part by word or motion, standing
+there and listening as though the words spoken of me concerned another,
+as indeed, they might well have done.
+
+But first Eanulf spoke to me, bending his brows as he did so, and
+frowning on me.
+
+"Heregar, son of Herewulf the Thane, you are accused by honourable men
+of speaking evil of our Lord the King, Ethelwulf. What answer have you
+to make to this charge? And, moreover, you are further charged with
+conspiring against him--can you answer to that charge?"
+
+Then I was about to make loud and angry denial of these accusations, but
+that old guard of mine, who yet held my shoulder, gripped it tightly,
+and I remembered his words, so that in a flash it came to me that an
+innocent man need but deny frankly, as one who has no fear, and I looked
+Eanulf in the face and answered him.
+
+"Neither of these charges are true, noble Eanulf; nor know I why they
+are brought against me, or by whom. Let them speak--there are those
+here who will answer for my loyalty."
+
+Now, as I spoke thus quietly, Eanulf's brows relaxed, and I saw, too,
+that the bishop looked more kindly on me. Eanulf spoke again.
+
+"Know you not by whom these charges are brought?"
+
+"Truly, I know not, Lord Eanulf," I answered, "for no man may say these
+things of me, save he lies."
+
+"Have you enemies?" he asked.
+
+"None known to me," I told him truthfully, for I had, as my father,
+lived at peace with all.
+
+"Then is the testimony of those against you the heavier," said the
+ealdorman.
+
+And with that he turned to the bishop before I could make reply; and
+they spoke together for a while in Latin, which I knew not.
+
+So I looked to my friend Matelgar for comfort, but he seemed to see me
+not, looking away elsewhere. And I thought him plainly troubled for me,
+for his face was white, and the hand on which his chin rested was
+turning the ends of his beard between his teeth, so that he bit it--as
+I had seen him do before when in doubt or perplexity.
+
+As I watched him, the bishop spoke in Saxon, saying that it would be
+well to call the accusers first and hear them, that I might make such
+reply as was possible to me.
+
+"For," said he, "it seems to me that this Heregar speaks truth in saying
+that he knows not his accusers."
+
+Then Eanulf bowed gravely, and all the circle was hushed, for a little
+talk had murmured round as these two spoke in private.
+
+And now I will forbear, lest the rage and shame of it should get the
+mastery of me again, and I should again think and speak things for which
+(as once before, at the bidding of the man I love best on earth) I must
+do long penance, if that may avail. For, truly, I forgave once, and I
+would not recall that forgiveness. Yet I must tell somewhat.
+
+Eanulf bade the accusers stand forward and give their evidence; and
+slowly, and, as it were, unwillingly, rose Matelgar, my friend, as I had
+deemed him, and behind him a score of those friends of his who had kept
+me company for long days on moor and in forest, and had feasted in my hall.
+
+Again that warning grasp on my shoulder, and I thought that surely
+either I or they had mistaken the summons, and that my defenders had
+come forward.
+
+Then, as in a dream, I listened to words that I will not recall, making
+good those accusations. And through all that false witness there seemed
+to me to run, as it were, a thread of those foolish, boy-wise words of
+mine that had, and meant, no harm, but on which were now built mountains
+of seeming proof. So that, when at last all those men had spoken I was
+dumb, and knew that I had no defence. For no proof of loyalty had I to
+give--for proof had never been required of me. And a man may live a
+quiet life, and yet conspire most foully.
+
+As my accusers went back to their seats there ran a murmur among the
+folk, and then a silence fell. The level afternoon sun seemed to blaze
+on me alone, while to me the air seemed thick and close, and full of
+whispers.
+
+Ealhstan the Bishop broke the silence.
+
+"The proof is weighty, and Matelgar the Thane is an honourable man," he
+said, sadly enough; "but if a man conspires, there needs must be one
+other, at least, in the plot. Surely we have heard little of this."
+
+Then was added more evidence. And men proved lonely journeys of mine,
+with evasion of notice thereof, and disavowal of the same. Yet I thought
+that Matelgar the Thane knew of my love for Alswythe, his daughter, whom
+I would meet, as lovers will meet, unobserved if they may, in all honour.
+
+Yet, as I listened, it was of these meetings they spoke, saying only
+that I had been able to concord whom I met, and where, though Matelgar
+must have known it. When that was finished, Eanulf bade me call men to
+disprove these things. And I could not. For my accusers were my close
+companions, and of Alswythe I would not speak, and I must fain hold my
+peace.
+
+Only, after a silence, I could forbear no longer, and cried:
+
+"Will none speak for me?"
+
+Then one by one my father's friends rose and told what they knew of my
+boyhood and training; but of these last few years of my manhood they,
+alas for my own folly could not speak. What they might they did, and my
+heart turned to them in gratitude for a little, though Matelgar's
+treachery had seemed to make it a stone within me.
+
+They ended, and the silence came again. It seemed long, and weighed on
+me like a thunderstorm in the air, nor should I have started had the
+whole assembly broken into one thunderclap of hatred of me. But instead
+of that, came the calm voice of Ealhstan the Bishop:
+
+"Eanulf and freemen of Somerset, there is one who witnesses for this
+Heregar more plainly than all these. That witness is himself, in his
+youth and inexperience. What are the wild words a boy will say? Who will
+plot against a mighty king with a boy for partner? What weight have his
+words? What help can come from his following? It seems to me that
+Matelgar the Thane and these friends of his might well have laughed away
+all these foolishnesses, rather than hoard them up to bring before this
+solemn council. This, too, I hold for injustice, that one should be kept
+in ward till his trial, unknowing of all that is against him, unhelped
+by the counsel of any freeman, and unable to send word to those who
+should stand by him at his trial. Indeed, this thing must be righted, I
+tell you, before England is a free land."
+
+At that there went a sound of assent round the Moot, and it seems to me,
+looking back, that that trial of mine, hard as it was to bear, was yet
+the beginning of good to all the land, by reason of those words which it
+taught the bishop to say, and which found an abiding place in the hearts
+of the honest men who heard; so that in these days of Alfred, our wise
+king, they have borne fruit.
+
+Then Eanulf signed to my guards, and they led me away and over the brow
+of the hill, that the Moot might speak its mind on me. There my guards
+bade me sit down, and I did so, resting head on hands, and thinking of
+nought, as it seemed to me, until suddenly rose up hate of Matelgar, and
+of Eanulf, and of all that great assembly, and of all the world.
+
+There was an earthquake once when I was but a boy, and never could I
+forget how it was as though all things one had deemed solid and secure
+had suddenly become treacherous as Severn ooze. And now it was to me as
+though an earthquake had shaken my thoughts of men. For, till that day,
+never had I found cause to distrust anyone who was friend of mine. Now
+could I trust none.
+
+Then rose up in my mind the image of Alswythe, fair, and blue eyed, and
+brown haired, smiling at me as she was wont. And I deemed her, too,
+false, as having tricked me to meet her that this might come upon me.
+
+Well it was that they called me back into the ring to hear my doom, for
+such thoughts as these will drive a man to madness. Now must I think for
+myself again, and meet what must be. Yet I would look at no man as I
+went towards the place of my judges, and stood before them with my eyes
+cast down. For I was beaten, and cared no more for aught.
+
+Eanulf spoke; but he had no anger in his voice and it seemed as though
+he repeated the words of others.
+
+"Heregar, son of Herewulf," he said, "these things have been brought
+against you by honourable men, and you cannot disprove them--hardly
+can you deny them. They may not be passed over; yet for the sake of your
+youth, and for the pleading of Ealhstan, our Bishop, your doom shall be
+lighter than some think fit. Death it might be; but that shall not pass
+now on you, or for this. But Thane you may be no longer, and we do
+confirm that sentence. Landless also you must be, as unworthy to hold
+it. Outlaw surely must he be who plots against the Head of law."
+
+He paused a moment, and then said:
+
+"This, then, is your doom. Outlawed you are from this day forward, but
+wolf's head [ii] you shall not be. None in all Wessex shalt harbour you
+or aid you, but none shall you harm, save you harm them. Go hence from
+this place and from this land, to some land where no man knows you; and
+so shall you rest again."
+
+Now, had I not been blinded with rage and shame, I might have seen that
+there was mercy in this sentence, and hope also. For I had seen a man
+outlawed once, and given a day's start, like some wild beast, in which
+to fly from the hand of every man that would seek his life. But I was to
+be safe from such harm, and but that I must go hence, I was not to be
+hounded forth, nor was my shame to be published beyond Wessex. So that
+all the other kingdoms lay open and safe to me.
+
+None of this I heeded; I only knew that my enemies had got the mastery,
+and that ruin was upon me. So I ground my teeth and was mute.
+
+Then they cut my bonds and I stood free, but cared not. Nor did I stir
+from my place; and a look of surprise crossed Eanulf's face. But
+Ealhstan the Bishop, knowing well, I think, what was in my mind, rose
+from his seat, and came to me, laying his hands on my shoulders. I would
+have shaken them off; but be kept them there gently, and spoke to me.
+
+"Heregar, my son," he said, and his words were like the cool of a shower
+after heat, to my burning brain, "be not cast down in the day of your
+trouble overmuch. There are yet things for you to do in this world of
+ours, and the ways of men are not all alike. Foolish you have been,
+Heregar, my son, but the Lord who gave wisdom to Solomon the youth, will
+give to you, if you will ask Him. Go your way in peace, and if you will
+heed my words, take your trouble to some wise man of God, and so be led
+by his counsel. And, Heregar," and here the bishop's voice was for me
+alone, "if you need forgiveness, forgive if there is aught by you to be
+forgiven."
+
+Then I knew that the bishop, at least, believed in my innocence, and my
+hard heart bent before him, though my body would not. He laid his hand
+on my head for one moment, and so left me.
+
+One of my father's old friends rose up and said:
+
+"Ealdorman, he is unarmed. Give him that which will keep him from wanton
+attack, or from the wolves, even if it be but a thrall's weapons."
+
+Eanulf signed assent.
+
+On that they gave me a woodman's billhook, and a seax, [iii] such as the
+churls wear, and one thrust a good ash, iron-shod quarterstaff into my
+hands. Then my guards led me away from the assembly, and set my face
+towards the downward path. Once again the old man spoke to me with words
+of good counsel.
+
+"Keep up heart, master. Make for Cornwall, and turn viking with the next
+Danes who come."
+
+I would not answer him, but walked down the hill a little. Then the
+bitterness of my heart overcame me, and I turned, and shaking my staff
+up at the hill, cursed the Moot deeply.
+
+So I went--an outlaw.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II. THE FIGHT WITH TWO.
+
+
+Now whither I went for the next two hours I cannot tell, for my mind was
+heedless of time or place or direction--only full of burning hate of
+all men, and of Matelgar most of all. And though that has long passed
+away from me, so that I may even think of him now as the pleasant
+comrade in field and feast that he once was, I wonder not at all I then
+felt; for this treachery had come on me so unawares, and was so deep.
+
+Wherever it was I wandered it took me away from men, and at last, when I
+roused myself to a knowledge again of the land round me, I was hard on
+the borders of Sedgemoor Waste; and the sun was low down, and near setting.
+
+Perhaps I had not roused even then; but it came into my mind that I was
+followed, and that for some time past I had heard, as in a dream, the
+noise of footsteps not far behind me. Now, since I was in the glade of a
+little wood, a snapping stick broke the dream, and I started and turned.
+
+Where I stood was in the shadow, but twenty paces from me a red, level
+sunbeam came past the tree trunks, and made a bright patch of light on
+the new growing grass beneath the half-clad branches. And, even as I
+turned, into that patch of light came two of Matelgar's men, walking
+swiftly, as if here at last they would overtake me. And, moreover, that
+sunlight lit on drawn swords in their hands; so that in a moment I knew
+that his hate followed me yet, and that for him the Moot had been too
+merciful in not slaying me then and there, so that these were on that
+errand for him.
+
+Then all earth and sky grew red before my eyes, for here seemed to me
+the beginning of my revenge; and before these two knew that I had
+turned, out of the dim shadow I leapt upon them, silent, with that
+quarterstaff aloft. Dazzled they were with the sunlight, and thinking
+least of all of my turning thus swiftly, if at all. And I was as one of
+the Berserks of whom men spoke--caring not for death if only I might
+slay one of those who had wrought me wrong.
+
+Into the face of that one to the left flew the iron-shod end of the
+heavy staff and he fell; and as the other gave back a pace, I whirled it
+round to strike his head. He raised his sword to guard the blow, and
+that fell in shivers as I smote it. Then a second blow laid him across
+his comrade, senseless.
+
+Then I stood over them and rejoiced; and part of my anger and shame
+seemed to pass into the lust of revenge begun well. I knew the men as
+two of Matelgar's housecarles, and that made it the sweeter to see them
+lie thus helpless before me.
+
+I knew not if they were dead yet, but I would make sure. So I leaned my
+staff against a tree, and drew the sharp seax from my belt.
+
+Then came into my mind the words of my father, who would ever tell me
+that he is basest who would slay an unarmed foe, or smite a fallen man;
+and hastily I put back the seax again, lest I should be tempted to
+become base as men had said I was; for I hold treachery to be of the
+same nature as that of which my father warned me.
+
+I took back my staff and leant on it, thinking, and looking at those
+men. They were the first I had ever met in earnest, and this was the
+first proof of the skill in arms my father had spent long years in
+giving me. So there crept over me a pride that I had met two and
+overcome them--and I unarmed, as we count it, against mail-clad men.
+Then I thought that Herewulf, my father, would be proud of me could he
+see this.
+
+And then, instantly, the shame of what had led to this swallowed up all
+my pride; and with that thought of my father's loved and honoured name,
+my hard heart was broken, and I leant my head against a tree, and wept
+bitterly.
+
+One of the men stirred, and I sprang round hurriedly. It was the second
+man, whose sword I had broken. He had been but stunned, and now sat up
+as one barely awake, and unaware of what had happened. I might not slay
+him now, but quick as I could I took off my own broad leather belt and
+pinioned him from behind. He was yet too dazed to resist. And then I
+took his dagger from him, and bound his feet with his own belt, dragging
+him away from his comrade, and setting him against a tree. There he sat,
+blinking at me, but becoming more himself quickly.
+
+Then I looked at the other man. He was dead, for the end of the
+quarterstaff had driven in his forehead, so madly had I struck at him
+with all my weight.
+
+And now, seeing that I was cooler and might think more clearly, it
+seemed to me that it would be bitter to Matelgar that out of his wish to
+destroy me should come help to myself. I needed arms, and now I had but
+to take them from his own armoury, as it were. Well armed were all his
+housecarles, and this one I had slain was their captain, and his byrnie
+of linked mail was of the best Sussex steel, and his helm was crested
+with a golden boar, with linked mail tippet hanging to protect the neck.
+And his sword--but as my eyes fell on that my heart gave a great leap
+of joy--for it was my own! Mine, too, was the baldric from which it
+hung, and mine was the seax that balanced it, close to the right hand in
+the belt.
+
+As I saw that I began to know more of the plans of Matelgar--for it
+must be that my hall and all my goods had fallen into his hands, and
+this was the reward his head man had asked and been given.
+
+And now I minded that this man had been one of those who gave evidence
+of my lonely rides and secret meetings. So he had been bought thus, for
+my sword was a good one, and the hilt curiously wrought in ivory and
+silver.
+
+Then I made no more delay, but stripped the man of his armour, and also
+of the stout leathern jerkin he wore beneath it, for I was clad in the
+rags of feasting garb, as I have said, and hated them even as I threw
+them aside. The man was of my own height and build, as it chanced, and
+his gear fitted me well. So I took his hide shoes also, casting away my
+frayed velvet foot coverings into the underwood.
+
+Now once more I stood clad in the arms of a free man and how good it was
+to feel again the well known and loved weight of mail, and helm, and
+sword tugging at me I cannot say. But this I know, that, like the strong
+man of old our old priest told me of, as I shook myself, my strength and
+manhood came back to me.
+
+But now, whereas I had been haled from my feasting a careless boy, and
+had stood before my judges as an angry man, as I look back, I see that
+from that arming I rose up a grim and desperate warrior with wrongs to
+right, and the will and strength to right them.
+
+So I stood for a little, and the savage thoughts that went through my
+mind I may not write. Then I turned to my captive and looked at him,
+though I thought nothing concerning him. But what he saw written in my
+face as it glowered on him from under the helmet bade him cry aloud to
+me to spare him.
+
+And at that I laughed. It was so good to feel that this enemy of mine
+feared me. At that laugh--and it sounded not like my own, even to
+myself--the man writhed, and besought me again for mercy. But I had no
+mind to kill him, and a thought crossed me.
+
+"Matelgar bade you slay me," I said, "that I know. Tell me why he has
+sought my life and I will spare you."
+
+"Master," said the man hastily, "I knew not whom I was to slay. Matelgar
+bade me follow Gurth yonder, and smite whom he smote."
+
+"It would have mattered not--you would have slain me as well as any
+other."
+
+"Nay, master," the man said earnestly, "that would I not."
+
+"You lie," I answered curtly enough; "like master like man. Tell me what
+I bade you."
+
+"Truly I lie not, Heregar," cried he, "for I love my mistress over well
+to harm you."
+
+Now at that mention of Alswythe the blood rushed into my face, for I had
+held her false with the rest, and this seemed to say otherwise, unless
+the plot had been hidden from such as this man. But I would fain learn
+more of that, for the sake of the hope of a love I had thought true.
+
+"What is your mistress to me?" I asked. "Ye are all alike."
+
+I think the man could see well at what I aimed, for he spoke of the Lady
+Alswythe more freely than he would have dared at other times, nor would
+I have let him name her lightly.
+
+"Our mistress has gone sadly since the day you were taken, master; even
+asking me to tell her, if I could, where you were kept, thinking me one
+of those who guarded you, mayhap. But I knew not till today what had
+chanced to you. Men may know well from such tokens what is amiss."
+
+Hearing that, my heart lightened within me, for I saw that the man spoke
+truth. However, I would not speak more of this to such as he, and I bade
+him cease his prating, and answer plainly my first question, laying my
+hand on my seax as if to draw it.
+
+"Gurth could have told you; master," he cried, "but he is dead. Matelgar
+held no counsel with me. I can but tell you what the talk is among the
+men."
+
+"Tell it."
+
+"Because Matelgar had taken charge, as he said, of your lands while you
+were away, and knowing well that in your taking he had had some hand,
+men say it is to get possession thereof; and the women say that, while
+you were near, the Lady Alswythe would marry no other, so that he had
+had you removed."
+
+The first I had guessed by the token of the sword that I had regained.
+That last was sweet to hear.
+
+"Go on," I said. "How came Matelgar to have power to hold my lands?"
+
+"There came one from the king, after you were taken, giving him papers
+with a great seal thereon, and these he read aloud in your hall, showing
+the king's own hand at the end. So men bowed thereto, and all your men
+he drove out if they would not serve him, and few remained. The rest
+have taken service elsewhere if they were free."
+
+So Matelgar was in possession, and now would be confirmed in the same.
+What mattered that to an outlaw? But I could have borne anything better
+than to think of him sitting in my place as reward for his treachery.
+This was evidence of weakness, however, in his case, that he should have
+tried to have me slain.
+
+Now I had learnt all I needed, and more, in the one thing next my heart,
+than I hoped, if that were true--for still I could not but doubt the
+faith of all. Only one thing more I would ask, and that was if Matelgar
+bided in his own or my hall. The man told me that he kept in his own place.
+
+"Now," said I, "I had a mind to leave you bound here for the wolves, but
+you shall take a message to your master."
+
+On that the man swore to do my bidding, or, if I would, to follow me.
+
+"Save your oaths," I said. "I have heard a many today, and I hold them
+as nothing. Take these cast rags of mine, and bear them back to your
+master. Give them to him, and then say to him whatsoever you will--
+either that you have slain me and these are the tokens, but that Gurth
+was by me slain, and you must leave him and his arms here because of the
+wolves which you feared; or else you can tell him the truth, as it has
+happened, and see what he does to you. I mind how he hung up a thrall of
+his by the thumbs once for two days. He will surely take good care of
+one of two who were beaten by an unarmed man. But I think the lie will
+come easiest to your master's man."
+
+Thus spoke I bitterly, and cut the belt which bound the man's arms,
+thinking all the while that he would never go back at all if he were
+wise. But he said he would go back and tell the lie, and I laughed at him.
+
+It was dusk now, and though I feared not the man, I would play with him
+yet a little longer in my bitterness. So I bade him keep still, and stir
+not till I gave him leave. His feet were yet bound, and he would need an
+edge-tool to loose that binding. Telling him, then, that I would not run
+the chance of his falling on me from behind, I took his dagger and the
+seax they had given me, and stuck them in the ground a full hundred
+yards away, and then bade him, when I was out of sight, crawl thither as
+best he might and so loose himself.
+
+The poor wretch was too glad to be spared to do aught but repeat that he
+would do my errand faithfully, and thank me; and, but for the sort of
+madness that was still on me, I must have been ashamed to torture him
+so. I am sorry now as I think of it, and many a man who has well
+deserved punishment have I let go since that day, fearing lest that old
+cruelty should be on me again, perhaps.
+
+Then I turned and walked away, and even as I passed the weapons, I heard
+the low howl of a wolf from the swamp to my right. Far off it was, but
+at that sound the man cast himself on hands and knees and began to crawl
+in all haste to free himself.
+
+Then I laughed again, and plunging deeper into the wood, lost sight of him.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III. BY BELL, BOOK, AND CANDLE.
+
+
+I had never been into Sedgemoor before, and so went straight on as I
+could, only turning aside from swampy places while the light lasted.
+Then I must wait for the moon to rise, and I sat me down under an old
+thorn tree on a little rise where I could see about me. I had come out
+of the woods, and all the moor was open to the west and south so far as
+I could see. I knew that the place was haunted of evil spirits, and
+shunned at night time by all: but now I was not afraid of them--or
+indeed of anything, save the wolves. The terror of the man I had left
+had put that fear into my head, or I think that, desperate as I was,
+only the sound of a pack of them in full cry would have warned me.
+Still, I had heard no more since that one howled an hour ago.
+
+Cold mists rose from the marsh, and in them I could see lights flitting.
+A month or two ago I should have feared them, thinking of Beowulf, son
+of Hygelac, and what befell him and his comrades from the marsh fiends,
+Grendel and his dam. Now I watched them, and half longed for a fight
+like Beowulf's. [iv]
+
+At last the moon rose behind me, and I walked on. Once a vast shape rose
+up in the mist and walked beside me, and I half drew my sword on it. But
+that, too, drew sword, and I knew it for my own shadow on the thick
+vapour. Then a sheet of water stretched out almost under my feet, and
+thousands of wildfowl rose and fled noisily, to fall again into further
+pools with splash and mighty clatter. I must skirt this pool, and so
+came presently to a thicket of reeds, shoulder high, and out of these
+rose, looking larger than natural in the moonlight, a great wild boar
+that had his lair there, and stood staring at me before he too made off,
+grunting as he went.
+
+So I went on aimless. The night was full of sounds, but whether earthly;
+from wildfowl and bittern and curlew, from fox, and badger, and otter;
+or from the evil spirits of the marsh, I knew not nor cared. For now the
+long imprisonment and the day's terrible doings, and the little food I
+had had since we halted on the hill of Brent, all began to get hold of
+me, and I stumbled on as a man in a bad dream.
+
+But nothing harmed or offered to harm me. Only when some root or twisted
+tussock of grass would catch my foot and hinder me I cursed it for being
+in league with Matelgar, tearing my way fiercely over or through it. And
+at last, I think, my mind wandered.
+
+Then I saw a red light that glowed close under the edge of some thick
+woodland, where the land rose, and that drew me. It was the hut of a
+charcoal burner, and the light came from the kiln close by, which was
+open, and the man himself was standing at it, even now taking out a
+glowing heap of the coal to cool, before he piled in fresh wood and
+closed it for the night.
+
+When I saw the hut, it suddenly came on me that I was wearied out, and
+must sleep, and so went thither. The collier heard the clank of my
+armour, and turned round in the crimson light of the glowing coals to
+see what came. As he saw me standing he cried aloud in terror, and,
+throwing up his hands, fled into the dark beyond the kiln, calling on
+the saints to protect him.
+
+For a moment I wondered that he should thus fly me; but I staggered to
+his hut, and I remember seeing his rush-made bed, and that is all.
+
+When I woke again, at first I thought myself back in the dungeon, and
+groaned, but would not open my eyes. But I turned uneasily, and then a
+small voice spoke, saying:
+
+"Ho, Grendel! are you awake?"
+
+I sat up and looked round. Then I knew where I was--but I had slept a
+great sleep, for out of the open door I saw the Quantock hills, blue
+across the moor, and the sun shone in almost level. It was late afternoon.
+
+I looked for him who had spoken, and at first could see no one, for the
+sun shone in my face: but something stirred in a corner, and I looked
+there.
+
+It was a small sturdy boy of some ten years old, red haired, and
+freckled all over where his woollen jerkin and leather hose did not
+cover him. He sat on a stool and stared at me with round eyes.
+
+I stared back at him for a minute, and then, from habit, for I would
+always play with children, made a wry face at him, at which he smiled,
+pleased enough, and said:
+
+"Spit fire, good Grendel, I want to see."
+
+Now I was glad to be kept off my own fierce thoughts for a little, and
+so answered him back, wondering at the name he gave me, and at his request.
+
+"So--I am Grendel, am I?"
+
+"Aye," said the urchin, "Dudda Collier ran into village in the night,
+saying that you had come out of the fen, all fire from head to foot, and
+so he fled. But I came to see."
+
+"Where is the collier then?"
+
+"He dare not come back, he says, without the priest, and has gone to get
+the hermit. So the other folk bided till he came too."
+
+"Were not you afraid of me?"
+
+"Maybe I was feared at first--but I would see you spit fire before the
+holy man drives you away. So I looked in through a crack, and saw you
+asleep. Then I feared not, and bided your waking for a little time."
+
+"What is your name, brave urchin?' I asked, for I was pleased with the
+child and his fearlessness.
+
+"Turkil," he said.
+
+"Well, Turkil--I am not Grendel. He fled when I came in here."
+
+"Did you beat him?" asked the boy, with a sort of disappointment.
+
+"Nay; but he disappeared when the hot coals went out," I said. "And now
+I am hungry, can you find me aught to eat?" and, indeed, rested as I was
+with the long sleep, I had waked sound in mind and body again, and
+longed for food, and I think that finding this strange child here to
+turn my thoughts into a wholesome channel, when first they began to stir
+in me, was a mercy that I must ever be thankful for.
+
+Turkil got up solemnly and went to the hearth. Thence he took an iron
+cauldron, and hoisted it on the great round of tree trunk that served as
+table in the midst of the hut.
+
+"Dudda Collier left his supper when he fled. Wherefore if we eat it he
+will think Grendel got it--and no blame to us," remarked the boy,
+chuckling.
+
+And when I thought how I had not a copper sceatta left me in the world,
+I stopped before saying that I would pay him when he returned, and so
+laughed back at the boy and fell to.
+
+When we had finished, the cauldron, which had been full of roe deer
+venison, was empty, and Turkil and I laughed at one another over it.
+
+"Grendel or no Grendel," said the urchin, "Dudda will ask nought of his
+supper."
+
+"Why not?"
+
+"By reason of what it was made of."
+
+Then I remembered that a thrall might by no means slay the deer, and
+that he would surely be in fear when he knew that one had found him out.
+So I said to the boy:
+
+"Grendel ate it, doubtless. Nor you nor I know what was in the honest
+man's pot."
+
+Turkil was ready to meet me in this matter, and looking roguishly at me,
+gathered up the bones and put them into the kilns.
+
+"Now must I go home," he said, when this was done, "or I shall be
+beaten. But I would I had seen Grendel--though I love warriors armed
+like you."
+
+"Verily, Turkil, my friend," said I, "a stout warrior will you be if you
+go on as you have begun."
+
+Thereupon something stirred within me, as it were, and I took the urchin
+and kissed him, for I had never thought to call one "friend" again.
+
+Then I feared to let him go from me, lest the thoughts of yesterday
+should come back, as I knew they would, did I give way to them. So I
+told him to bide here with me till the village people came to drive away
+Grendel, and that I would make all right for him.
+
+Then we went out of the little hut, and sat on the logs of timber, and
+he told me tales of the wood and stream and meres to which I must answer
+now and then, while I pondered over what I must do and where betake myself.
+
+My outlawry would not be known till the people had got home from Brent,
+and then but by hearsay, till the sheriff's men had proclaimed me in the
+townships.
+
+This place, too, where a man could slay roe deer fearless of discovery,
+must be far from notice, and I would bide here this next night, and so
+make my plans well, and grow fully rested. But always, whatever I
+thought, was revenge on Matelgar uppermost.
+
+Now Turkil would see my sword, and then my seax, and try my helm on his
+head, laughing when it covered his eyes, and I had almost bade him come
+to my hall at Cannington and there try the little weapons I had when I
+was his size, so much his ways took from me the thought of my trouble.
+But that slip brought it all back again, and for a time I waxed moody,
+so that the child was silent, finding no answer to his prattle, and at
+last leant against me and slept. Presently, I leaned back and slept too,
+in the warm sun.
+
+I woke with the sound of chanting in my ears, and the ringing of a
+little bell somewhere in the wood; but Turkil slept on, and I would not
+stir to wake him, sitting still and wondering.
+
+Then out of the wood came towards the hut a little procession, and when
+I saw it I knew that I, as Grendel, was to be exorcised. But though I
+thought not of it, exorcism there had been already, and that of my evil
+spirit of yesterday, by the fearless hand of--a little child.
+
+There came first an old priest, fully vested, bearing a great service
+book in one hand, and in the other a crucifix, and reading as he went,
+but in Latin, so that I could not know what he read. And on either side
+of him were two youths, also vested, one bearing a great candle that
+flared and guttered in the wind, and the other a bell, which now and
+then he rang when the old priest ceased reading between the verses.
+
+After these came the villagers. I saw the collier among the first, and
+his knees shook as he walked. Then some of the men were armed with bills
+and short swords, and a few with bows. All, I think, had staves. After
+them came some women, and I saw one who wept, looking about her eagerly.
+
+They did not see me, for the timber pile was next the kiln and a little
+behind it; so that before they got near I was shut out from view for a
+time.
+
+While they were thus hidden from me, they stopped and began to chant
+again, priest and people in turn. After that had gone on for a little
+time, Turkil woke and sat up, but I bade him in a whisper to be silent,
+and putting his finger in his mouth he obeyed, wide eyed.
+
+Then the little bell gave a note or two, and the reading began, so near
+that I could hear the words, or seem to remember them as I know now what
+they were.
+
+"Adjuro te maleficum Grendel vocatum diabolum--"
+
+So far had the priest got when they turned the corner of the house, and
+I stood up. There came a shout from the men, and the exorcism went no
+further, for the old priest saw at once, as it seemed, that I was but a
+mortal. Not so some of his train, for several turned to fly, sorely
+fearing that the wrestle between the powers spiritual had begun, and, as
+one might think, lacking faith in their own side, for they showed little.
+
+But Grendel or no Grendel, there was one who thought not of her own
+safety. That woman whom I had seen weeping gave a great cry and rushed
+at me, seizing my little comrade from my arms, for I had lifted him as I
+stood, and covering him with kisses, chided him and petted at the same
+time.
+
+It was his mother, who hearing that her darling had wandered away from
+his playmates with the intention of "seeing Grendel" as he avowed, had
+dared to join the rest to learn what had been his end.
+
+The old priest looked on this with something of a smile, and then turned
+to his people saying:
+
+"Doubtless the fiend has fled, or this warrior and the child had not
+been here. Search, my children, and see if there be traces left of his
+presence, and I will speak to the stranger."
+
+They scattered about the place in groups, for they yet feared to be
+alone, and the priest came up to me, scanning my arms as he did so, to
+guess my rank. My handsome sword and belt seemed to decide him, for
+though the armour and helm were plain, they were good enough for any
+thane who meant them for hard wear and not for show.
+
+"Sir," he said, very courteously but without any servility, "I see you
+are a stranger, and you meet me on a strange errand. I am the priest
+whom they call the hermit, Leofwine--should I name you thane?"
+
+I was going to answer him as I would have replied but yesterday morning
+--so hesitated a little, and then answered shortly.
+
+"No thane, Father, but the next thing to it--a masterless man."
+
+"As you will, sir," he replied, thinking that I doubtless had my own
+reason for withholding whatever rank I had. "We meet few strangers in
+this wild."
+
+"I lost my way, Father," I said, "and wandered here in the night, and,
+being sorely weary, slept in this empty hut till two hours ago, waking
+to find yon child here."
+
+Now little Turkil, seeing that I looked towards him, got free from his
+mother and ran to me, saying that he must go home, and that I must speak
+for him, as his mother was wroth with him for playing truant.
+
+The woman, who seemed to be the wife of some well-to-do freeman,
+followed him, and I spoke to her, begging her to forgive the boy, as he
+had been a pleasant comrade to me, and that, indeed, I had kept him, as
+he said some folk were coming from the village.
+
+Whereon she thanked me for tending him, saying that she had feared the
+foul fiend whom the collier had seen would surely have devoured him. So
+I pleased her by saying that a boy who would face such a monster now
+would surely grow up a valiant man. Then Turkil must kiss me in going,
+bidding me come and see him again, and I knew not how to escape
+promising that, though it was a poor promise that could not be kept,
+seeing that I must fly the kingdom of Wessex as soon as I might. Then
+his mother took him away, he looking back often at me. With them went
+the most of the people, some wondering, but the greater part laughing at
+Dudda Collier's fright.
+
+I asked the old priest where the village might be, and he told me that
+it lay in a clearing full two miles off, and that the father of Turkil
+was the chief franklin there, though of little account elsewhere. He had
+not yet come back from the great Moot at Brent, and that was good
+hearing for me, for though he must return next day, I should be far by
+that time.
+
+While we talked, the collier and two or three men came to us, telling
+excitedly how that the kiln was raked out, and that the cauldron was
+empty--doubtless the work of the fiend.
+
+"Saw you aught of any fiend, good sir?" asked the priest of me.
+
+Now I remembered the roe deer in time, and answered, "I saw nought worse
+than myself"--but I think that, had the collier known my thoughts, he
+would have fled me as he fled that he took me for. But that he was sore
+terrified I have no doubt, for it seemed that he neither recognized me,
+nor remembered what he was doing at the kiln when I came. Maybe, as
+often happens, he had told some wild story to so many that he believed
+it himself.
+
+"Then, my sons," said the hermit, "the fiend finding Dudda no prey of
+his, departed straightway, and he need fear no more."
+
+However, they would have him sprinkle all the place with holy water,
+repeating the proper prayers the while, which he did willingly, knowing
+the fears of his people, and gladly trying to put them to rest.
+
+Then the collier begged one after another to bide with him that night,
+but all refused, having other things to be done which they said might
+not he foregone. It was plain that they dared not stay; but this seemed
+to be my chance.
+
+The men had many times looked hard at me, but as I was speaking with the
+priest, dared not question me as they would. So having seen this, I said:
+
+"I am a stranger from beyond the Mendips, and lost my way last night
+coming back from Brent. Glad should I be of lodging here tonight, and
+guidance on the morrow, for it is over late for me to be on my way now."
+
+That pleased the collier well enough, and he said he would take me in,
+and guide me where I would go next day. The other men wanted to ask me
+news of the Moot, but I put them off, saying that I had not sat thereon,
+but had passed there on my way from Sherborne. So they were content, and
+asking the hermit for his blessing, they went their way.
+
+Then the old priest took off the vestments which were over his brown
+hermit garb, and giving them to the youths who had acted as his acolytes
+bade them depart also, having given them some directions, and so we
+three, the hermit, collier, and myself, were left alone by the hut.
+
+The hermit bade the collier leave us, and he, evidently holding the old
+man in high veneration, bowed awkwardly, and went to fill and relight
+his kiln fires.
+
+And then the old priest spoke to me.
+
+"Sir, I was brought here, as you see, to drive away an evil spirit,
+which this poor thrall said had appeared to him last night, and from
+which he fled. Now all men know that these fens are haunted by fiends,
+even as holy Guthlac found in the land of the Gyrwa's, [v] being sorely
+troubled by them. But I have seen none, though I dwell in this fen much
+as he dwelt, though none so worthy, or maybe worth troubling as he.
+Know you what he saw? for I seem to see that your coming has to do with
+this--" and the old man smiled a little.
+
+Then I told him how I had come unexpectedly into the firelight, and that
+the man had fled, adding that I was nigh worn out, and so, finding a
+resting place, slept without heeding him; and then how little Turkil had
+called me "Grendel", bidding me "spit fire for him to see".
+
+At that the old man laughed a hearty laugh, looking sidewise to see that
+Dudda was at work and unheeding.
+
+"Verily," he said, "it is as I deemed, but with more reason for the
+collier to fly than I had thought--for truly mail-clad men are never
+seen here, and thy face, my son, is of the grimmest, for all you are so
+young. I marvel Turkil feared you not--but children see below the
+outward mask of a man's face."
+
+Now as he said that, the old man looked kindly, but searchingly, at me,
+and I rebelled against it: but he was so saintly looking that I might
+not be angry, so tried to turn it off.
+
+"Turkil the Valiant called me Grendel, Father. Also I think you came out
+to exorcise the same by name, for I heard it in the Latin. But that was
+a heathen fiend."
+
+The hermit sighed a little and answered me.
+
+"They sing the song of Beowulf and love it, heathen though it be, better
+than aught else, and will till one rises up who will turn Holy Writ into
+their mother tongue, as Caedmon did for Northumbria. Howbeit, doubtless
+those who were fiends in the days of the false gods are fiends yet, and
+if Grendel then, so also Grendel now, though he may have many other
+names. And knowing that name from their songs, small wonder that the
+terror that came from the marsh must needs be he. And, no doubt," went
+on the good priest, though with a little twinkle in his eye, "he knew
+well enough whom I came to exorcise, even if the name were wrong, had he
+indeed been visibly here."
+
+So he spoke: but my mind was wandering away to my own trouble; and when
+I spoke of Sherborne just now, the thought of Bishop Ealhstan and his
+words had come to me, and I wondered if I would tell my troubles to this
+old man as he bade me. But, though to think of it showed that I was
+again more myself, something of yesterday's bitterness rose up again as
+the scene at the Moot came back, and I would not.
+
+The priest was silent for a while, and must have watched my face as
+these thoughts hardened it again.
+
+"Be not wroth with an old man, my son," he said, very gently; "but there
+is some trouble on your mind, as one who has watched the faces of men as
+long as I may well see. And it is bitter trouble, I fear. Sometimes
+these troubles pass a little, by being told."
+
+The kind words softened me somewhat, and I answered him quietly:
+
+"Aye, Father--there is trouble, but not to be told. I will take myself
+and it away in the morning, and so bear it by myself."
+
+He looked wistfully at me as one who fain would help another, saying:
+
+"Other men's troubles press lightly on such as I, my son, save that they
+add to my prayers."
+
+And I was half-minded to tell him all and seek his counsel: but I would
+not. Still, I would answer him, and so feigning cheerfulness, said:
+
+"One trouble, Father, I fear you cannot help me in. I have nought
+wherewith to reward this honest man for lodging and guidance--nor for
+playing Grendel on him, and eating his food to boot."
+
+"Surely you have honest hands by whom to send him somewhat? or he will
+lead you to friends who will willingly lend to you?"
+
+And I had neither. I, who but a few weeks ago could have commanded both
+by scores--and now none might aid me. None might call me friend--I
+was alone. These words brought it home to me more clearly than before,
+and the loneliness of it sank into my heart, and my pride fled, and I
+told the good man all, looking to see him shrink from me.
+
+But he did not, hearing me patiently to the end. I think if he had
+shrunk from me, the telling had left me worse than when I kept it hid
+from him.
+
+When I ended, he laid his hand on my shoulder--even as the bishop had
+laid his, and said:
+
+"Vengeance is mine. I will repay, saith the Lord."
+
+And I, who had never heard those words before, thought them a promise
+sent by the mouth of this prophet, as it were, to me, and wondered. Then
+he went on:
+
+"Surely, my son, I believe you to be true, and that you suffer
+wrongfully, for never one who would lie told the evil of himself as you
+have told me. Foolish you have been, indeed, as is the way of youth, but
+disloyal you were not."
+
+I was silent, and waited for him to speak such words again. And he, too,
+was silent for a little, looking out over the marsh, and rocking himself
+to and fro as he sat on the tree trunk beside me.
+
+"Watching and praying and fasting alone, there has been given me some
+little gift of prophecy, my son; now and then it comes, but never with
+light cause. And now I will say what is given me to say. Cast out you
+are from the Wessex land, but before long Wessex shall be beholden to
+you. Not long shall Matelgar, the treacherous, hold your place--but
+you shall be in honour again of all men. Only must you forego your
+vengeance and leave that to the hand of the Lord, who repays."
+
+"What must I do now, Father?" I asked, in a low voice.
+
+"Go your own way, my son, and, as you were bidden, depart from this
+kingdom as you will and whither; and what shall be, shall be. Fighting
+there is for you, both within and without: but the battle within will be
+the sorest: for I know that the longing for revenge will abide with you,
+and that is hard to overcome. Yet remember the message of forbearance."
+
+Then I cried out that I must surely be revenged and the good man strove
+with me with many and sweet words, till he had quieted the thought
+within me again. Yet I longed for it.
+
+So we talked till the sun sank, and he must go ere darkness fell. But at
+last he bade me kneel, and I knelt, who had thought in my pride never to
+humble myself before mortal man again, till one dealt me my death blow
+and I needs must fall before him.
+
+So he blessed me and departed, bidding me remember that at sunrise and
+midday and sunset, Leofwine, the priest, and Turkil, the child, should
+remember me in their prayers. And, for he was very thoughtful, he told
+me that he would take such order with the collier that he would ask
+nought from me, nor must I offer him anything, save thanks. And he spoke
+to him in going.
+
+I watched him go till I could see him no more, and then, calling my
+host, supped with him, and slept peacefully till the first morning light.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV. THE SECRET MEETING.
+
+
+I woke before the collier, who slept across the doorway on some skins,
+and lay in his sleeping place for half an hour, thinking of what should
+be before me, and whither I would go this day.
+
+And, thinking quietly enough now, I made the resolve to leave at all
+events my revenge that I had so longed for to sleep for a while--for
+the words of the good priest had bided with me, and moreover, I had some
+hope from his words of prophecy. So I would see how that turned out, and
+then, if nought came of it, I would turn to my revenge again.
+
+So having got thus far, the advice of the gray-haired warrior seemed as
+good as any, for it was easy to me to get into West Wales, and then take
+service with the under-king until such time as Danish or Norse vikings
+put in thither, as they would at times for provender, or to buy copper
+and tin from the miners.
+
+But then a great longing came over me to see Alswythe once more, and
+learn the truth of her faith or falseness. The man I had bound seemed to
+speak truth, though she was the daughter of Matelgar. Yet if she were
+child of that false man, I had known her mother well, and loved her
+until she died a year ago. And she was a noble lady, and full of honesty.
+
+Now as safe a way as any into the Westland would be over the Quantocks,
+and so into the wilds of Dartmoor and beyond, where no man would know or
+care for my outlawry--if, indeed, I found not more proscribed men
+there than anywhere, who had fled, as I must fly, but with a price on
+them. And if I fled that way, it was but a step aside to pass close to
+Matelgar's hall.
+
+It was the least safe path for me, it is true--for I had had a taste
+of what sort of reception I should meet with at his hands did he catch
+me or meet with me. But love drew me, and I would venture and see at
+least the place where the one I loved dwelt.
+
+Having made up my mind to that, I was all impatience to be going, and
+woke the collier, saying that I must be afoot. He, poor man, started up
+in affright, dreaming doubtless that the fiend had returned, but
+recovered himself, making a low obeisance to me, quickly.
+
+Then he brought out bread of the coarsest and cheese of the best,
+grumbling that the fiend had devoured his better cheer. And I, being
+light hearted, having made up my mind, and being young enough not to
+look trouble in the face too long, asked him if he had none of the roe
+deer left over?
+
+Whereat he started, and looked terrified at me. Then I laughed, and said
+that Grendel had told me what was in the pot, and the man, seeing that I
+was not angry, began to grin also, wondering. Then the meaning of the
+whole business seemed to come to him, and he sat down and began to
+laugh, looking at me from under his brows now and then, lest I should be
+wroth with him for the freedom. But I laughed also, and so in the end we
+two sat and laughed till the tears came, opposite one another, and that
+was a thing that I had never thought to do again. At last I stopped, and
+then he made haste to compose himself.
+
+"Master," he said, "forgive me. But if you were Grendel, as I think now,
+there is a great fear off my mind."
+
+"I was Grendel, Dudda," said I; "but you must have a sorely evil
+conscience to be so easily frighted."
+
+"Nay, master; but from week to week I see none, least of all at
+midnight, and mail-clad men never at all. I think I am the only man who
+fears not this marsh and what may haunt it."
+
+"That you may never boast again," said I; "for scared you were, and that
+badly!"
+
+"It is between you and me, master," said he, with much cunning in his
+look; "as I pray the matter of what was in the cauldron may be also--"
+
+"Well, as for that," I answered, "I ate it, and was glad of it, so I
+will not inquire how it came there."
+
+But I was glad to have this secret as a sort of hold over this man, for
+thralls are not to be trusted far, nor was I in a mood to put much faith
+in any.
+
+After that we ate in silence, and when we had finished, he put a loaf
+and a half cheese into a wallet, and took a staff, and asked me to
+command him. I knew not what the hermit had told him, so asked how much
+he had learned of my errand.
+
+"That you are on king's business, master, and in haste. Moreover that
+your errand is secret, so that you would not be seen in town or village
+on your way."
+
+"That is right," I said, thanking in my mind the good hermit, whose
+ready wit had made things so easy for me; moreover it was truthful
+enough, for outlawry is king's business in all earnest, though not the
+honour this poor thrall doubtless thought was put on me.
+
+Then I told him that I need ask him but to guide me beyond Parret river,
+on this side of Bridgwater, for after that the long line of the
+Quantocks would guide me well enough. It was all I needed, for once out
+of this fenland I knew the country well--aye, every furlong of it--
+but I was willing enough to let him guide me through land I knew, that
+if ever he were questioned--as he might well be when my outlawry was
+known--his tale of my little knowledge of the country would make men
+think me some stranger, and so no blame would come on him for harbouring
+me.
+
+So we started in the bright early morning, and he guided me well. There
+is little to say of that journey, but finding from the man's talk that
+the Moot rose not until the next day, I thought, with a lifting of my
+heart, how Matelgar would likely enough be yet there, and that I might
+almost in safety, unless he had sent word back concerning me to his men,
+go and try to gain speech of Alswythe.
+
+Now it chanced presently that, looking about me, I seemed to know the
+lie of a woodland through which we passed, and in a little was sure we
+were in that glade where I fought my fight. And next, I saw my
+quarterstaff still resting against the tree where I had left it. The
+collier saw it too, and said that some forester was doubtless resting
+close by, seeming uneasy about the same. But I said that no question
+should be made of his presence in the wood, if it were so, and we came
+up to it. Then he started, and cried to me to look around.
+
+My billhook, covered with new rust from the dew, lay where I had thrown
+it in stripping off my own garments to arm myself; but of the man I had
+slain only scattered bones were left. The wolves had devoured him.
+
+When I saw that, I thought that this dead man might as well pass for
+myself--Heregar, the outlaw. So I examined billhook and quarterstaff,
+and at last said I knew them. They had been given to one Heregar, who
+had been outlawed and driven from the Moot even as I stood to watch the
+gathering as I passed by.
+
+"Then his outlawry has ended here," said the collier. "The wolves have
+devoured him."
+
+"Just as well," I said carelessly. "Shall you take his staff and bill?
+They are good enough."
+
+"Not I," said the man. "It is ill meddling with strange men's weapons,
+most of all an outlaw's."
+
+"Mayhap you are wise," I said, and, casting down the things alongside
+the bones, went on.
+
+Now I had looked all round, and saw that my old garments were gone, so
+that the man I had let go had at all events started away with them. But
+now I knew that the news of my death would soon spread, hard on the
+publishing of the sentence of outlawry, for the doings of an outlaw are
+of the first interest to those among whom he may wander. As it was,
+indeed, to my guide, who spoke so much thereof that I knew he would be
+full of it, and tell it to all whom he met. And when he told me he
+should go back through the town I was glad, for so Matelgar would have
+news of the same, confirming the tale of his man, though not accounting
+for his captain. Whereby he would be puzzled, and his life would be none
+the easier, for I knew he would dread my vengeance, though it might be
+hard for me to compass.
+
+At last we crossed the river, and went a little way together into the
+woods beyond, till we came to the road which should lead the collier
+back to Bridgwater town. And there I made him give me directions for
+crossing the Quantocks, as though I would go by Triscombe--which I
+feigned to know not, save by name given for my guidance on my way.
+
+I looked for him to ask reward, but he did not, and what the hermit had
+told him I could not say, unless he had promised him reward on his
+return. He made a low salutation before me, cap in hand, and I thanked
+him for his pains, saying that I would not forget him, as I was sure he
+would not forget "Grendel". And so we laughed, and he went away pleased
+enough, giving me the wallet of food.
+
+Then was I left alone in the woodlands that had been mine to hunt
+through, for, holding our land from the king himself, I had many rights
+that stretched far and wide, which doubtless that Matelgar coveted for
+himself, and would now enjoy. And hard it was, and bitter exceedingly,
+not to turn my steps straight through the town, where men had saluted me
+reverently, to my own hall where it nestles under the great rock that
+looks out over my low meadows, and away towards Brent across the wide
+river. But that might not be. So I tried to stay myself with the thought
+of the hermit's prophecy, and plunging deep into the woods, crossed far
+back of my own place, until I could circle round towards Matelgar's hall.
+
+And there I must go carefully, lest I should be seen and known by any;
+but the woods were thick, and none knew them better than I. These things
+come by nature to a man, and so I should not be proud that the very
+woodmen would own that I was their master in all the craft of the
+forest, as my father had been before me.
+
+Now Matelgar's hall, smaller than mine, though as well built, or better,
+lay in that glen which runs down towards the level meadows of Stert
+point between Severn and Parret, north of the little hills of Combwich
+and Stockland, and almost under that last. And there the forest came
+down the valley--for it is not enough for me to call a combe--almost
+to the rear of the hall and the quickset inclosure around it.
+
+It was afternoon and towards evening when I came here, and I bided in
+the woods a mile from the hall, in a safe place where none ever came,
+until I heard the horn which called all men in to sup. Then, when I
+judged that they had gathered, I struck towards the path that leads down
+to the hall, keeping yet under cover. One ran in haste towards his
+supper as I neared it, so I knew that perhaps he was the last to take
+his place, and that for an hour or two I was secure.
+
+Now in this wood, and not so far from where I was, is a little nook with
+a fallen tree, and here Alswythe and her mother were wont to come in the
+warm evenings, and sit while the feeding in hall went on, so soon as
+they could leave the board. And there, too, I had met Alswythe often
+lately, sitting and taking pleasure in her company, till she knew that I
+would want no better companion for all my life.
+
+This was just such an evening as might tempt her there, and I would at
+least have the sorrow of biding there alone for the last time. So I
+crept to that place very softly, and sat me down to think.
+
+Maybe I had sat there a quarter of an hour when I heard a step coming,
+and that step set my heart beating fast, for it was the one I longed
+for. Then I feared to frighten her with sight of an armed man in her
+retreat, but before I could move, she came round the bend of the path
+that made the place private, and saw me.
+
+She gave a little scream, and half turned to fly, for she was alarmed,
+not knowing me in my arms. And all I could do was to take off my helm
+and hold out my hands to her, for I could not speak her name in my joy.
+
+Then she laid her hand to her heart, and paused and looked; and before I
+could step towards her, she was in my arms of her own will; so I was
+content.
+
+Now how we two found ourselves sitting side by side presently, in the
+old place, I may hardly say, but so it was. And I forgot all about her
+father and the evil he had wrought, knowing that she had no part in it,
+or indeed knowledge thereof.
+
+For when we came to talk quietly, I found that she had thought me dead,
+and mourned for me: for Matelgar had told her that he knew nought of me.
+And I would not tell her of his treachery, for he was her father, and so
+for her sake I made such a tale as I knew he was like to tell her,
+though maybe the truth would come sooner or later: how that secret
+enemies had trapped me, and had brought false charges against me, which
+none of my friends could combat, so skilfully were they wrought, and
+then how that I was outlawed, and must fly.
+
+And hearing this she wept bitterly, fearing, and with reason, that I
+should not return.
+
+Then I comforted her with the hermit's prophecy, saying nought of her
+father. And she, sweet soul, promised that Matelgar should tend my lands
+and hall well till the words of the holy man came true, and I might take
+them back from him. And then she added that sorely cast down and
+troubled had her father seemed when he rode back from the Moot that day,
+and doubtless it was from this. But how glad would he be to know me
+living, and even now would take me in and set me on my way,
+notwithstanding the order of the ealdorman!
+
+Now when I heard that Matelgar was indeed returned, and so close to me,
+I knew not what to do or say: for all my plans that he should think me
+dead were like to be overthrown by the talk of this innocent daughter of
+his.
+
+And she, seeing me troubled, would have me say what it was, and I found
+it hard to answer her.
+
+At last I told her how even Matelgar dared not harbour or assist me, and
+cried out on my folly in bringing blame even on her, were my presence
+known. But she stopped my mouth, telling me most lovingly that the risk
+was worth the running, so that she knew me living again.
+
+Then I said that, lest harm should come to her father, it were better to
+keep secret that I had been here. And that, moreover, those enemies of
+mine would doubtless track me till they knew me gone from the kingdom,
+so that were a whisper to go abroad that I had been seen here, it might
+be death for me.
+
+"And for this," I added, "it is likely that Matelgar, your father, will
+have it spread abroad that I am dead, in his care for my safety. For so
+will question about me and where I am cease."
+
+This I said lest she should deny when the news came, as it must, that
+this was so.
+
+Yet she longed to tell her father that I was here; but at last I
+overpersuaded her, and she promised to tell none, not even him, that she
+had seen me, and for my sake to feign to believe that I was dead.
+
+Then we must part. I told her my plans for going still westward to make
+myself a name, if that might be; and promised to let her have news of
+me, if and when I might, and in all to be true to her.
+
+And she, brave girl, would try not to weep as I kissed her for the last
+time; and gave me the little silver cross from her neck to keep for her
+sake, telling me that she would pray for me night and day, and that
+surely her prayers, and those of the holy man and the innocent child
+would be heard for me, so that the prophecy would come true. And more
+she said, which I may not write. Then footsteps came up the main path,
+and I must go.
+
+I heard her singing as she went back to the hail in the evening light,
+and knew that that was for my sake, and not for lightness of heart; and
+so, when her voice died away, I plunged again into the woods, making
+westward while light lasted.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V. THE VIKINGS ARRIVE.
+
+
+Now after I had parted from Alswythe, my true love, I could not forbear
+a little heaviness at first, because I knew not when I should see her
+again. But there is a wonderful magic in youth, and good health, and
+strength, and yet more in true love requited, which will charm a man
+from any long heaviness. So before long, as I went through the twilight
+woodlands towards the mighty Quantock hills, my heart grew light within
+me; and I even dared to weave histories in my mind of how I would make a
+name for myself, and so return in high honour by very force of brave
+deeds done, deeds that should be spoken of through all the land. It is a
+strange heart in a youth that cannot, or will not, do the like for his
+future, and surely want of such thoughts will lead him to nothing great,
+even if it does not bid him sink to the level of his own thralls, as I
+have known men fall.
+
+However, my heart was full of brave dreamings, always with the thought
+of Alswythe as my reward at the end; so that I began to long to start my
+new life, and went on swiftly that I might the sooner leave behind the
+land that was to be closed to me.
+
+Night fell as I came to the mouth of the long combe that runs up under
+Triscombe where the road crosses, and to south of it, and I began to
+wonder how I should lodge for the night. Then I remembered a woodman's
+hut, deep in the combe, that would serve for shelter, keeping the wolves
+from me, as it kept them from the woodmen, who made it for the purpose
+--the place being far from any village, so that at times they would
+bide there for nights when much work was on hand. None would be there in
+Maytime, for the season for felling was long past.
+
+So I found my way to the hut, and there built a fire, and then must, in
+the dark, grope for a flint wherewith to strike light on steel, but
+could not find one among the thick herbage. So I sat in the dark, eating
+my bread and cheese, and thinking how that I was like to make a poor
+wanderer if I thought not of things such as this. However, I thought my
+wanderings would last no long time, and as the moon rose soon I was
+content enough, dreaming of her from whom I had parted so lately.
+
+I will not say that the wish for revenge on Matelgar had clean gone, for
+him I hated sorely. But for me to strike the blow that I had longed for
+would be to lose Alswythe, and so I must long for the words of sooth to
+come true, that I might see revenge by other hands than mine. Then again
+must I think of hurt to Matelgar as of hurt to Alswythe, so that I dared
+not ponder much on the matter; but at last was fain to be minded to wait
+and let the hermit's words work themselves out, and again fall to my
+dreaming of great deeds to come.
+
+Out of those dreams I had a rough waking, that told me that I was not
+all a cool warrior yet.
+
+Something brushed by the door of the hut with clatter of dry chips, and
+snarl, as it went, and my heart stopped, and then beat furiously, while
+a cold chill went over me with the start, and I sprang up and back,
+drawing my sword. And it was but a gray badger pattering past the hut,
+which he feared not, it having been deserted for so long, on his search
+for food.
+
+Then I was angry with myself, for I could not have been more feared had
+it been a full pack of wolves; but at last I laughed at my fears, and
+began to look round the hut in the moonlight. Soon I had shut and barred
+the heavy door, and laid myself down to sleep, with a log for pillow.
+
+Though sleep seemed long in coming, it came at last, and it was heavy
+and dreamless, until the sun shone through the chinks between the logs
+whereof the hut was built, and I woke.
+
+Then I rose up, opened the door, and looked out on the morning. The
+level sunbeams crept through the trees and made everything very fresh
+and fair, and a little light frost hung over twigs and young fern fronds
+everywhere, so that I seemed in the land of fairy instead of the
+Quantocks. The birds were singing loudly, and a squirrel came and
+chattered at me, and then, running up a bough, sat up, still as if
+carved from the wood it was resting on, and watched me seemingly without
+fear. Then I went down the combe and sought a pool, and bathed, and ate
+the last of the food the collier had given me. Where I should get more I
+knew not, nor cared just then, for it was enough to carry me on for the
+next day and night, if need be, seeing that I had been bred to a
+hunter's life in the open, and a Saxon should need but one full meal in
+the day, whether first or last.
+
+Now while I ate and thought, it seemed harder to me to leave these hills
+and combes that I loved than it had seemed overnight; and at last I
+thought I would traverse them once again, and so make to the headland,
+above Watchet and Quantoxhead on either side, and then down along the
+shore, always deserted there, to the hills above Minehead, by skirting
+round Watchet, and so on into the great and lonely moors beyond, where I
+could go into house or hamlet without fear of being known.
+
+Then I remembered that to seek help in the villages must be to ask
+charity. That would be freely given, doubtless, but would lead to
+questions, and, moreover, my pride forbade me to ask in that way. Then,
+again, for a man so subsisting it might be hard to win a way to a great
+man's favour, though, indeed, a stout warrior was always sure to find
+welcome with him who had lands to protect, but not so certainly with the
+other housecarles among whom he would come.
+
+So I began to see that my plight was worse than I thought, and sat
+there, with my back to an ash tree, while the birds sang round me, and
+was downcast for a while.
+
+Then suddenly, as I traced the course that I had laid out in my mind,
+going over the hunts of the old days, when I rode beside my father and
+since, I bethought me of one day when the stag, a great one of twelve
+points, took to the sea just this side of Watchet town, swimming out
+bravely into Severn tide, so that we might hardly see him from the
+strand. There went out three men in a little skiff to take him, having
+with them the young son of the owner of the boat. And in some way the
+boat was overturned, as they came back towing the stag after them, when
+some hundred or more yards from shore, and in deep water where a swift
+current ran. Two men clung to the upturned boat; but the other must
+swim, holding up his son, who, though a big boy of fourteen, was
+helpless in the water. And I saw that it was like to go hard with both
+of them, for the current bore them away from shore and boat alike.
+
+So I rode in, and my horse swam well, and we reached them in time, so
+that I took the boy by his long hair and raised him above the water,
+while the man, his father, swam beside us, and we got safely back to the
+beach, they exhausted enough but safe, and I pleased that my good horse
+did so well.
+
+But the man would have it that I and not the horse saved his son, and
+was most grateful, bidding me command him in anything all his life long,
+even to life itself, saying that he owed me both his own and the boy's.
+And that made me fain to laugh it away, being uneasy at his praise,
+which seemed overmuch. However, as we rode home, my father said I had
+made a friend for life, and that one never knew when such would be wanted.
+
+Now this man was a franklin, and by no means a poor one, so now at last
+I remembered my father's words, and knew that I was glad to have one
+friend whom I knew well enough would not turn away from me, for I had
+seen him many times since, and liked him well.
+
+I would go to him, tell him all--if he had not yet heard it, which was
+possible--and so ask him to lend me a few silver pieces in my need. I
+knew he would welcome the chance of showing the honesty of his words,
+and might well afford it. Thus would I go, after dark lest I should be
+seen and he blamed, and so make onward with a lighter heart and freer hand.
+
+So I waited a little longer in the safe recesses of the deep combe until
+a great gray cloud covered all the tops of the hills above me, and I
+thought it well to cross the open under its shelter to Holford Coombe,
+which I did.
+
+There I loitered again, hearing the stags belling at times across the
+hollows to one another, but hardly wishful to meet with them in their
+anger. I saw no man, for once I had crossed the highroad none was likely
+to seek the heights in Maytime. And I think that no one would have known
+me. For in my captivity my beard had grown, and my hair was longer than
+its wont; and when I had seen my face in the little pool that morning, I
+myself had started back from the older, bearded, and stern face that met
+me, instead of the fine, smooth, young looks that had been mine on the
+night of my last feast. But there were many at the Moot, which was even
+now dispersing, who had seen only this new face of mine, and I could not
+trust to remaining long unrecognized. None might harm me, that was true;
+but to be driven on, like a stray dog, from place to place, man to man,
+for fear of what should be done to him who aided me in word or deed, was
+worse, to my thought, than open enmity.
+
+Now as night fell the clouds thickened up overhead, but it was still and
+clear below, if dark; and by the time the night fairly closed in, I
+stood on the heights above Watchet, and, looking down over the broad
+channel and to my left, saw the glimmering lights of the little town.
+
+There I waited a little, pondering the safest way and time for reaching
+the franklin's house, for I would not bring trouble on him by being
+seen. All the while I looked out over the sea, and then I saw something
+else that I could not at first make out.
+
+Somewhere on the sea, right off the mouth of the Watchet haven, and
+seemingly close under me, there flashed brightly a light for a moment
+and instantly, far out in the open water another such flash answered it
+--seen and gone in an instant. Then came four more such flashes, each a
+little nearer than the second, and from different places. Then I found
+that the first and one other near it were not quite vanished, but that I
+could see a spark of them still glowing.
+
+Now while I wondered what this might mean, those two nearer lights began
+to creep in towards the haven, closer and closer, and as they did so,
+flashed up again, and answering flashes came from the other places.
+
+The night was still, and I sat down to see more or this, knowing that
+they who made these signals must be in ships or boats; but not knowing
+why they were made, or why so many ships should be gathered off the
+haven. Anyway there would be many people about to meet them if they came
+in, and that would not suit me.
+
+Then all of a sudden the light from the nearest ship flamed up, bright
+and strong, and moved very fast towards the haven, and the others
+followed, for first one light and then another came into sight like the
+first two as they drew near. I knew not much about ships, but it seemed
+to me as if lanterns were on deck, and hidden from the shore by the
+bulwarks, perhaps, but that being so high above, I could look down on them.
+
+"If they be honest vessels," thought I, all of a sudden, "why do they
+hide their lights?" for often had I seen the trading busses pass up our
+Parret river at night with bright torches burning on deck.
+
+What was that?
+
+Very faint and far away there came up to me in the still air, for what
+breeze there was set from the sea to me, a chant sung by many rough
+voices--a chant that set my blood spinning through me, and that
+started me to my feet, running with all the speed I could make in the
+darkness to warn Watchet town that the vikings were on them! For now I
+knew. I had heard the "Heysaa", the war song of the Danes.
+
+But before I could cover in the dark more than two miles I stopped, for
+I was too late. There shot up a tongue of flame from Watchet town, and
+then another and another, and the ringing of the church bell came to me
+for a little, and then that stopped, and up on Minehead height burnt out
+a war beacon that soon paled to nothing in the glare of the burning
+houses in the town. I could fancy I heard yells and shrieks from thence,
+but maybe that was fancy, though I know they were there for me to hear
+truly enough.
+
+But I could do nothing. The town was too evidently in the hands of the
+enemy, and I could only climb up the hill again, and watch where the
+ships went, perhaps, as I had seen them come.
+
+As I clomb the hill the heavy smell of the smoke caught me up and bided
+with me, making me wild with fury against the plunderers, and against
+Matelgar, in that now I might not call out my own men and ride to the
+sheriff's levy with them, and fight for Wessex as was my right.
+
+And these Danes, or Northmen, whichever they might be--but we called
+them all Danes without much distinction--were the very men with whom I
+had thought to join when I won down to Cornwall.
+
+One thing I could do, I could fire the beacon on the Quantocks. That was
+a good thought; and I hurried to the point where I knew it was ever
+piled, ready, since the day of Charnmouth fight two years agone.
+
+I found it, and, hammering with the flint I had found in case of such a
+necessity as last night's, I kindled the dry fern at its foot to
+windward, and up it blazed. Then in a quarter hour's time it was
+answered from Brent, and from a score of hills around.
+
+Now, as I stood by the fire, I heard the sound of running footsteps, far
+off yet, and knew they were the messengers who were bidden to fire the
+beacon. So I slipped aside into cover of its smoke, and lay down in a
+little hollow under some bushes, where I could both see and hear them
+when they came.
+
+They were four in all, and were panting from their run.
+
+"Who fired the beacon?" said one, looking round.
+
+"Never mind," said another; "we shall have credit for mighty diligence
+in doing it."
+
+"But," said the first, "he should be here."
+
+Then they forgot that in the greater interest they had left, or escaped
+from, and began to talk of the vikings.
+
+The men from two ships had landed, I learned, and had surprised the
+place; scarce had any time to flee; none to save goods. They mentioned
+certain names of the slain whom they had seen fall, and of these one was
+the franklin whom I was going to seek. There was no help for me thence now.
+
+One man said he had heard there were more ships lying off; but they did
+not know how many, and I could see they had been in too great haste to
+care to learn.
+
+Soon fugitives--men, women, and children--began to straggle in
+wretched little groups up the hill, weeping and groaning, and I knew
+there would soon be too many there for my liking. So I crept away,
+easily enough, and went out to the headland.
+
+But I could see nothing on the sea now; and so, very sad at heart, I
+sought a bushy hollow and laid me down and slept, while the smoke of
+Watchet hung round me, and now and then a brighter glare flashed over
+the low clouds, as the roof of some building fell in and fed the flames
+afresh.
+
+I woke in the light of the gray dawn, and the smell of burning was gone,
+and the sea I looked out on was clear again, for a fresh breeze from the
+eastward was sweeping the smoke, as I could see, away to the other
+hills, westward. But the town was gone--only a smoke was left for all
+there was for me to look down on, instead of the red-tiled and
+gray-thatched roofs that I had so often seen before from that place or
+near it.
+
+Next I saw the ships of the vikings. They lay out in the channel at
+anchor, for the tide was failing. I suppose they had gone into the
+little haven as soon as there was water enough, and that those lights I
+saw were signs made from one to the other when that was so. There were
+specks near them--moving--their boats, no doubt, from the shore,
+bringing off plunder. The long ships themselves looked like barley corns
+from so high above, or so I thought them to look, if they were larger to
+sight than that, for that was their shape.
+
+Now I had not thought that they would have bided when the beacons were
+lit; but would have gone out westward with this tide. And therefore I
+wondered what their next move would be, but expected to see them up
+anchor and go soon.
+
+Waiting so, I waxed hungry, for nought had I tasted, save a few birds'
+eggs that I had found in Holford Coombe, since that time yesterday.
+Birds' eggs, thought I, were better than nought, so I wandered among the
+bushes seeking more. As I did so, by and by, I came in sight of the
+beacon on the hilltop, and looking up at it, rather blaming my
+carelessness, saw that but two men were there, tending it, and from
+their silver collars I knew that they were thralls. They were putting on
+green bushes to make a smother and black smoke that would warn men that
+the enemy were yet at hand.
+
+When I saw that both the men were strange to me, I went up to them, as
+though come to find out news of the business. And they saluted me,
+evidently not knowing me. I talked with them awhile, and then shared
+their breakfast with them, glad enough of it. They had, however, no more
+to tell me than I had already learnt, beyond tales of horror brought by
+the fugitives of last night, which I will not write.
+
+Those people had soon passed on, fearing, as each new group came up,
+that the enemy was on their heels. They had doubtless scattered into the
+villages beyond.
+
+So the time went idly, and the sun rose, while yet the tide fell and the
+ships lay beneath us. Smoke, as of cooking fires, rose from their decks,
+and they were evidently in no hurry. Nor need they be. In those days we
+had no warships such as our wise king has made us since then, and none
+could harm them on the open water.
+
+In an hour's time, however, there came a change over the sea. Little
+waves began to curl over it, and when the sun broke out it flashed
+bright where the wind came over in flaws here and there. Then from each
+ship were unfurled great sails, striped in bright colours, and one by
+one they got under way, and headed over towards the Welsh coast, beyond
+channel. The tide had turned.
+
+"They are going," said I, with much gladness.
+
+One of the men shook his head.
+
+"They do but slant across the wind, master. Presently they will go about
+and so fetch the Wessex shore again, and so on till they reach where
+they will up channel."
+
+We watched them, and while we watched, a man came up from the west,
+heated and tired out, and limping with long running as it seemed. And
+when he saw me he ran straight to me, and thrusting a splinter of wood
+into my hand, cried in a panting voice:
+
+"I can no more--In the king's name to Matelgar of Stert--the levy is
+at Bridgwater Cross. In all haste."
+
+It was the war arrow [vi]. No man might refuse to bear that onward.
+Yet--to Matelgar--and by an outlaw! But the man was beat, and the
+thralls might not bear it.
+
+"Look at me; know you who I am?" I said to the man, who had cast himself
+down on the grass, panting again.
+
+"No--nor care," he said, glancing at me sharply. "On, and tarry not."
+
+"I am an outlaw," I said simply.
+
+"Armed?" he said, with a laugh. "Outlaw in truth you will be, an you
+speed not."
+
+"I am Heregar," I said again.
+
+"Curse you!" said the man; "go on, and prate not. If you were Ealhstan
+himself, with his forked hat on, you must go."
+
+"Heregar--my master's friend," cried one of the two thralls, "if it be
+true you are outlawed, as I heard yesterday, go and win yourself inlawed
+again by this."
+
+Then I turned, and wasted no more time, running swiftly down the hill
+and away towards the spot where my enemy lay at Stert, and that honest
+thrall of my friend, the slain franklin's, shouted after me for good speed.
+
+"Well," I thought, as I went on at a loping pace, "I can prove my
+loyalty maybe--but I have to bear this into the wolf's den--and much
+the proof will serve me!"
+
+Then I thought that presently I would feign lameness, and send on some
+other. And so I ran on.
+
+I struck a path soon, and kept it, knowing that, if one met and
+recognized me, the token I bore was pass enough--moreover, none might
+harm me, if they would, so that I was doing no wrong in being turned
+back, as it were, by emergency, from leaving the kingdom. Now, as I
+trotted swiftly along the track, there lay in my way what I thought was
+a stone till I neared it. Then I saw that it was a bag, and so picked it
+up, hardly pausing, shaking it as I did so.
+
+It was full of money! Doubtless some one of the fugitives dropped it
+last night as they went in haste, hardly knowing they had it, perhaps.
+Well, better with me than with the Danes, I thought, and so bestowed the
+bag inside my mail shirt, and thanked the man who sent me on this
+errand. For now I felt as if free once more; for with sword and mail and
+money what more does man need?
+
+When next I came to a place that looked out over sea, I could no more
+spy the ships. They must have stretched far across to the Welsh coast.
+Only the two holms broke the line of water to the north and east up
+channel.
+
+Then the thought came to me that the Danes were gone, and what use going
+further with this errand? But that was not my business; the war arrow
+must go round, and the bearer must not fail, or else "nidring" [vii]
+should he be from henceforward. So I went on.
+
+Now, at last, was I but a mile or two from Stert, and began to wish to
+meet one to whom to give the arrow--but saw no man. I turned aside to
+a little cluster of thralls' and churls' huts I knew. There were no
+people there, and one hut was burnt down. Afterwards I heard that they
+had been deserted by reason of some pestilence that had been there; but
+now it seemed like a warning to do the duty that had been thrust on me.
+
+Then at last I remembered the prophecy of the old hermit--and my heart
+bounded within me--for, indeed, unlooked for as this was, surely it
+was like the beginning of its working out.
+
+Now would I go through with it, and on the head of Matelgar be the blame
+were I slain. Known was I by name to the messenger who gave me the
+arrow, and to those thralls, and known therefore would my going to
+Matelgar be.
+
+Nevertheless, when I went down that path that I have spoken of, toward
+the hall, looking to meet with one at every turn, my heart beat thick
+enough for a time, till a great coolness came over me and I feared nought.
+
+Yet must I turn aside one moment to lock into that nook where Alswythe
+and I had met, but it was empty. I knew that it must be so at that hour,
+but I was of my love constrained to go there.
+
+Then I ran boldly round the outer palisade and came to the great gate.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI. IN THE WOLF'S DEN.
+
+
+There was only one man near it, and he sat on the settle inside, so that
+he could see out and in as he wished. Him I knew at once, and was glad,
+for it was that old warrior who had showed some liking for me at Brent.
+
+He got up slowly as he saw a stranger stand in the gateway and came out
+towards me. Then he started a little and frowned.
+
+"Rash--master, rash," he said, but not loudly. "This is no safe place
+for you," and he motioned me to fly.
+
+Then I beckoned him out a little further and showed him what I bore in
+my hand. And he was fairly amazed and knew not what to say, that I, an
+outlaw, should have been sent on this errand, and more, that I should
+have come.
+
+I told him, speaking quickly and shortly, how it had come about, and he
+understood that the man who gave me the arrow neither knew nor believed me.
+
+"Master," he said, when I had done, "verily I believe that you are true,
+and wronged by him I have served this past two months. But of this I
+know not for certain, being a stranger here and little knowing of place
+or people. But this I know, from the man you sent back, that our thane
+sought your life against the word of the ealdorman, and, moreover,
+believes that you are dead. But by the arms you wear I can learn how
+that matter really went. Now, give me the arrow, and I will see to this
+--do you fly."
+
+But I was bent on ending the errand, and said I would carry out the
+task, as was my duty, to the end. I would put the arrow with its message
+into Matelgar's hand, and bide what might come.
+
+He tried to dissuade me, but at last said that he would not stand by and
+see me harmed, and for that I thanked him.
+
+"Well then," he told me, "you have come in a good hour. Most of the men
+have gone out here and there to spy what they may of the Danes and their
+plans--if gone or not. Others are in the stables, and but one man sits
+at the door of the great hall, and he is of no account."
+
+"Where is Matelgar?" I asked.
+
+"I know not exactly; but do as I say and all will be well."
+
+Then I said that his advice had saved me, I thought, when before the
+Moot, and I would follow it here.
+
+"Then," he went on, "come you to the hall door and bide there while I go
+in and call the thane thither. He will stay by his great chair to hear
+your message, and I will stand by the man who keeps the door. Then, when
+you have given up the arrow, tarry not, but come out at once, and get
+out of this gate, lest he should raise some alarm. Then must you take to
+the woods quickly."
+
+So he turned and went in before me. There were some twenty yards of
+courtyard to be crossed before we came to the great timber-built hall,
+round which the other buildings clustered inside the palisades. But
+there were no men about, though I could hear them whistling at their
+morning's work in the stables, for the idle time of the day was yet to
+come. Only a boy crossed from one side to the other on some errand,
+behind us, and paid no attention beyond pausing a little to stare, as I
+could judge by his footsteps. At any other time I should not have
+noticed even that, but now that I was in the very jaws of the wolf, as
+it were, I saw and heard everything. And all the while my heart beat
+fast--but that was not from fear, but for thinking I might by chance
+see Alswythe.
+
+Yet I will say it truly, that thought of her had no share in bringing me
+on this mad errand, which might have ending in such fashion as would
+break her heart.
+
+One man, as my guide had said, sat just inside the hall, but I knew him
+not. Since he had my hall and his own to tend, Matelgar must have hired
+more and new housecarles. This man was trimming a bow at the hearth, and
+did not rise, seeing that, whoever I might be, I was brought in by his
+comrade. The great hall looked wide and empty, for the long tables were
+cleared away, and only the settle by the hearth in the centre remained,
+beside the thane's own carved seat on the dais at the far end.
+
+"Bide by the fire till he comes," said my guide, seeing that the man did
+not know me, and leaving me there, he went through a door beyond the
+thane's chair to seek him.
+
+So I stood where the smoke rose between me and that door, waiting and
+warming my hands quietly, and as unconcernedly to all seeing as I could.
+
+"Ho, friend," said the man, so suddenly that he made me start; "look at
+your sword hilt before the thane comes," and he pointed and grinned.
+
+Sure enough, my sword hilt was not fastened to the sheath as it should
+be in a peaceful hall, but the thong hung loose, as if ready for me to
+thrust wrist through before drawing the blade. So I grinned back,
+without a word, lest Matelgar should hear my voice and know it, and
+began to pretend to knot the thong round the scabbard. All the same, I
+was not going to fasten it so that I could not draw if need were, and
+only kept on plaiting and twisting.
+
+Then I heard Matelgar's voice and footstep, and I desisted, and, taking
+the arrow from my belt, stood up and ready.
+
+He came in, looking round, but not seeing me at first through the blue
+smoke, for as I knew he would, he entered by the door through which my
+guide had gone just now. So I waited till he stood with his hand on his
+chair, while the old warrior came down towards me.
+
+Then I strode forward boldly up to the foot of the dais, and looking
+steadily a Matelgar, cast the arrow at his feet, saying:
+
+"In the king's name. The levy is at Bridgwater Cross. In all haste."
+
+He threw up his hands as one too terrified to draw sword--who would
+ward off some sudden terror--giving back a pace or two, and staring at
+me with wild eyes. His face grew white as milk, and drawn, and his
+breath went in between his teeth with a long hissing sound. But he spoke
+no word, and as he stood there, I turned and walked out into the
+courtyard and to the gate, going steadily and without looking round,
+like a man who has nothing either to keep or hurry him.
+
+Three grooms, whom I knew, stood with an unbridled horse on one side,
+but they were busy and minded me not till I was just at the gate.
+
+Then one said to the other, "Yonder goes Heregar, as I live!"
+
+Then there came a cry like a howl of rage from the hall, but no word of
+command as yet, nor did either housecarle come out that I could hear.
+
+Then I was at the gate, and as I passed it, turning sharp to the right,
+for that was the nearest way to the woods, I heard one running across
+the court.
+
+When I heard that, instead of keeping straight on, I doubled quickly
+round the angle of the palisade. By the time I had turned it the man may
+have been at the gate, and would think me vanished. But now I ran and
+got to cover in a thicket close to the rear of the house. A bad place
+enough, but I must chance it.
+
+I could hear shouts now from the courtyard. I looked round for a way to
+escape, but to reach the woods I had now a long bit of open ground to
+cover, and was puzzled. Then overhead I heard a bird rustle, and I
+looked up, and at once a thought came to me. The tree was an old,
+gnarled ash, and the leaves on it were thick for the time of year.
+Moreover, the branches were so large that surely in the fork I could
+find a hiding place. And being so close to the hall, search would be
+with little, if any, care.
+
+So with a little difficulty I climbed up, and there, sure enough, found
+the tree hollow in the fork, so that if I crouched down none could see
+me from below, while, lying flat against a great branch, I could safely
+see something of what might be on hand.
+
+I was hardly sure of this when men began to spread here and there about
+the place, but mostly going in the direction of the woods. I heard
+Matelgar's voice, harsh and loud, promising reward to him who should
+bring in the outlaw, dead or alive, and presently saw him stand clear of
+the palisading, about a bowshot from me.
+
+He was red enough now, but his hand played nervously with his sword
+hilt, and once when men shouted in the wood, he clutched it. Clearly I
+had terrified him, and if he deemed me, as it seemed, a ghost at first
+sight, the token of the arrow had undeceived him, and little rest would
+he have now, night or day, while I was yet at large.
+
+So I laughed to myself, and watched him till he went back.
+
+Presently the men straggled in, too. One party, having made a circle,
+came close by me, and they were laughing and saying that the thane had
+seen a ghost.
+
+"Moreover," said another, "we saw him cross the court slowly enough, and
+when we got to the gate--lo! he was gone."
+
+Then one said that he had heard the like before, and their voices died
+away as he told the story.
+
+Soon after this the horns were blown to recall all the men, and I knew
+that Matelgar must needs, even were it a ghost who brought the war
+arrow, lead his following to the sheriff's levy.
+
+Aye, and the following that should be mine as well. The message I had
+brought should have been to me as a king's thane, and I myself should
+have sent one to Matelgar to bid him come to the levy, even as he would
+now send to the other lesser thanes and the franklins round about, in my
+place. The men were running out even now, north and west and east, as I
+thought of this in my bitterness, and I watched them, knowing well to
+whom this one and that must go in each quarter.
+
+This was hard to think of. Yet I had stood in Matelgar's presence, and
+had him in my power for a minute, while I might have struck him down,
+and had not done so. And all that long night in Sedgemoor I had promised
+myself just such a moment, and had pictured him falling at my feet, my
+revenge taken.
+
+But how long ago that seemed. Truly I was like another man then. And
+since that night there had been the wise counsel of the hermit, the
+prattle of the child, the touch and voice of my loved one, the thought
+of a true friend, and now the sore need of the country I loved. And, for
+the sake of all those things, I do not wonder that, as I saw Matelgar
+pale and tremble before me, the thought of slaying him never entered my
+head.
+
+I will not say that I was much conscious of all these things moulding my
+conduct; but I know that since I took this message on me, and it seemed
+to me that the prophecy was on its way to fulfilment, I had, as it were,
+stood by to see another avenger then myself at work in a way that should
+unfold itself presently--so sure was I that all would come out as the
+hermit foretold. So it was with a sort of confidence, and a boy's love
+of adventure, too, that I had run into danger thus, while now that I had
+come off so well, my confidence was yet stronger. However, it would not
+make me foolhardy, for my father was wont to tell me that one may only
+trust to luck after all care taken to be well off without it.
+
+Men came trooping in from the nearer houses and farms very soon, armed
+and excited. Often some passed under me, not ten paces off, and then I
+shrank down into the hollow. All spoke of the Danes as gone, but at last
+one said he thought he could see them, away by Steepholme Island, half
+an hour agone. Though it might be fancy, he added, for their ships were
+very low, and hard to see if no sail were spread.
+
+But from all I gathered, the Danes were over on the other coast, and out
+of our way for the time at least.
+
+Then I grew very stiff in the tree: but so many were about that I dared
+not come down. They were, however, mostly gathered in the open in front
+of the great gate, and only passers by came near me. It was some three
+hours after noon before they gathered into ranks at last, and the roll
+was called over by Matelgar himself, as he rode along the line fully armed.
+
+When that was done, he put himself at the head, and they filed off up
+the road towards Bridgwater. I remembered that, when I was quite little,
+my father once had to call out a levy against the West Welsh, and then
+there was great cheering as the men started. There was none now--only
+the loud voice of the thane as he chided loiterers and those who seemed
+to straggle.
+
+I began to think of coming down when the last had gone, but a few men
+from far off came running past to catch them up, and I kept still yet.
+Then a great longing came upon me to join the levy and fight the Danes,
+if fight there should be, and I began to plan to do it in some way, yet
+could not see how to disguise myself, or think to whose company to
+pretend to belong.
+
+The place seemed very quiet after all the loud talk and shouting that
+had been going on. My father's levy had had ale in casks, and food
+brought out to them while they waited. But I had seen none of that here.
+Maybe, however, it was in the courtyard, I thought, and this I might
+see, if I climbed higher, above the palisading.
+
+So I left my sword in the hollow, lest it should hamper me, and went up
+a big branch until I could see over just enough to look across to the
+great gate, which still stood open. Then I forgot all about that which
+had made me curious, for I saw two figures in the gateway.
+
+Alswythe stood there, talking with my friend, as I will call him ever,
+the old housecarle, and no one else was near them.
+
+My first thought was to come down and run to her; but I remembered that
+I could but see one corner of the court, and that many more housecarles
+might be at hand, and waited, not daring to take my eyes from Alswythe
+lest I should lose her.
+
+They were too far off for me to hear their voices, nor did they make
+sign or movement that would let me guess that which they spoke of; but
+presently the old man saluted, and Alswythe went out of the gate.
+
+Then my heart leaped within me, for I thought, and rightly, that she
+sought her bower in the wood. And so she passed close by me in going
+there, and I must not speak or move for fear of terrifying her.
+
+But when she had gone up the path, I looked round carefully once or
+twice, and came down, and then, buckling on my sword again, looked
+warily out of the thicket, and seeing that none was near, crossed the
+open and followed her.
+
+There I found her in her place as she had found me the other day, and
+soon once more we were side by side on the old seat; and she was blaming
+me, tenderly, for my rashness. Yet she knew not that it was I who had
+brought the arrow, and her one fear was that I had joined those Danes.
+And when I looked at her, I saw that she had been sorely troubled, and
+this was the cause, for she said:
+
+"I knew that you, my Heregar, would not fight against your own land, and
+so they would surely slay you."
+
+So will a woman see the truth of things often more clearly than a man.
+For that the vikings might call on me to fight my Saxon kin had, till
+last night, never crossed my mind, yet after Charnmouth fight it was
+like enough.
+
+Then she asked what brought me here, and I told her that, seeing the
+burning of Watchet, I had a mind to join the levy, if I could, and so
+fight both for country and for her. That was true enough as my thoughts
+ran now--and surely I was not wrong in leaving out the story of the
+errand with the war arrow, for that would have told her of her father's
+lust for my destruction.
+
+Then she wept lest I should fall, but being brave and thoughtful for my
+honour, and for my winning back name and lands, bade me do so if I
+could, cheering me with many fond and noble words, so that I wondered
+that such a man as I could have won the love of such a woman as she.
+
+Now the time was all too short for me to tarry long: but before I went,
+Alswythe would bring me out food and drink that I might go well
+strengthened and provided. And as I let her go back to the hall, I asked
+her the name of that old warrior to whom she spoke, for it was he, I
+told her, who had tried to help me before the Moot.
+
+And then I was sorry I had told her that, for she might ask him of the
+matter and hear more than was good for her peace of mind; but it was
+done, and nothing could recall it.
+
+Yet she did not notice it then, but said his name was Wulfhere, and that
+he was a stranger from Glastonbury, as she thought, lately come into her
+father's service. She was going then, and I asked her to let me have
+speech with him, as I thought it safe, if he were to be trusted, for I
+needed his advice in some things.
+
+She said she would sound him first, not knowing how he had seen me
+already, of course, and so went quickly away towards the hall.
+
+What I needed the old man for was but to try to repair my slip of the
+tongue, and warn him of my love's ignorance of her father's unfaith to
+me; but as it fell out, it was well I asked to see him.
+
+Presently he came to me. I had to slip into the bushes and lie quiet
+till I knew who it was, and when I came out he smiled gravely at me,
+shaking his head, yet as one not displeased altogether.
+
+"Well managed, master," he said, still smiling, "but I knew not that you
+had so strong a rope to draw you hither."
+
+Then I told him the trouble I was like to bring on Alswythe if he told
+her all that passed at Brent; letting him have his own thoughts about my
+reason for coming to Matelgar's hall, which were wrong enough, though
+natural at first sight, maybe.
+
+He promised to be most wary, and I was content. Then I asked him how I
+should join the levy.
+
+"Master," he said, very gravely, "this is like to be a matter of which
+we have not seen the end. Yon Danes are up channel, and, as I believe,
+lying at anchor by the Holms. It will not be their way, if, having gone
+so far up, they sack not every town on their way back-unless they are
+beaten off on their first landing. Now the country is raised against
+them, sure enough; but our levy is a weak crowd when it is first raised,
+and they are tried warriors, every one. Now they may go on up tide to
+the higher towns, or else they will be back here, like a kite on a
+chicken, before men think, and Bridgwater town will see a great fight,
+and maybe a burning, before tomorrow."
+
+Then I said that the levy would beat them off easily enough; but the old
+warrior shook his head.
+
+"I was at Charnmouth," he said, "when King Ethelwulf himself led the
+charge. And our men fought well; but it was like charging a wall
+bristling with spears. Again and again our men charged, but the Danes
+stood in a great ring which never broke, although it wavered once or
+twice, until we were wearied out, and then they swung into line and
+swept us off the field. Until we learn to fight as they fight, we are
+weaker."
+
+Then I began to fear for Alswythe, and asked him what guard was left for
+the hall, and again he shook his head.
+
+"Myself, and five others--not the strongest--and a dozen women, and
+three boys, thralls."
+
+I knew not what to say to this; but the wise old man had already thought
+of a plan in case of danger. And in this, he said, I could advise him,
+for he was a stranger.
+
+"Horses enough are left," he told me, "and if the Danes come to
+Bridgwater, and are not beaten off, I shall mount the Lady Alswythe and
+the women, and take them to a safer place. But whither?"
+
+I told him at once of the house of a great thane beyond the Quantocks,
+easily reached by safe roads through the forest land, where Danes would
+not care to follow, and he thanked me.
+
+Then he said that I might well try to join the levy; but that it was
+possible that it would be hard for me. And I told him that if I could
+not manage it I would join in the fight when no man would question me,
+and that seemed possible to both of us. But if the Danes yet kept away I
+knew I could wait in hiding, having money now, safely enough till they
+had gone and the levy dispersed.
+
+Then came Alswythe back, bearing with her the things I needed. And
+Wulfhere begged her not to bide alone in the wood now, since robbers
+might be overbold now that the men were drawn off to the levy. That was
+good advice in itself; but I knew that he would have her near the hall,
+lest there should be sudden need for fleeing. She promised him, thanking
+him for the warning, and he left us.
+
+Then she tended me as I ate, carefully, and never had there been for me
+so sweet a meal as that, outlawed and homeless though I was to the
+world. For her word was my law now, and my home was all in her love for me.
+
+I think no man can rightly be held an outlaw who has kept law and has
+home such as that. For while he has, and loves those, wrong will he do
+to none.
+
+It was Alswythe who bade me go at last, not for her own sake, but for
+mine, that I might go on my way to win my fair name back again.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII. OSRIC THE SHERIFF.
+
+
+Through the woods I reached Bridgwater town before the sun set, and
+looking down from the steep hill that overhangs the houses, I could see
+the market square full of men, shining in arms and armour, and noisy
+enough, as I could hear. But every one of the townsfolk knew me, and by
+this time also knew what had befallen me, so that as I stood there it
+seemed not quite so easy to win a way to the levy as before. The
+highways were yet full of men coming in, for from where I stood on the
+edge of the cover I could see the bend of one road, and straight down
+another. If I went on them I must walk like a leper, alone and shunned
+by all, with maybe hard words to hear as well.
+
+While I thought of all this, there crept out from among the woods an old
+crone, doubled up under the weight of a faggot of dry sticks, who stayed
+to stare at me. I did not mind her, but of a sudden she dropped her
+bundle of wood, and I saw that it was like to be a heavy task for her to
+raise it again. So I turned and laid hold of it, for she was but six
+paces from me, saying:
+
+"Let me help you, Mother, to get it hoisted again. Truly would I carry
+it for you for a while, but I must bide here."
+
+"That must you, Heregar the outlaw," said the old woman coolly, without
+a word of thanks, and I thought my story and face were better known than
+I deemed. Therefore I must make the best of it.
+
+"Well, Mother," said I, "you know me, and if you know me, so also must
+many others. But I want to join the levy, and fight if need be."
+
+"Thereby knew I you to be Heregar," said she; "for none but he must
+stand here with the light of battle in his eyes and his hand clutched on
+his sword hilt and not go down to the Cross yonder, as the summons is."
+
+Then I marvelled at the old dame's wisdom, though maybe it was but a
+guess, and asked her what I should do, seeing that she was wise, and the
+words of such as she are often to be hearkened to.
+
+"It is a wise man," she answered, "who will take advice; but never a
+word should you have had from old Gundred, save you had helped her, as a
+true man should."
+
+"Truly, Mother Gundred," I said, "I have no rede of my own, and am
+minded to take yours."
+
+"Then, fool," she said curtly, "link up that tippet of mail across your
+face, go down to Osric the Sheriff himself, beg to be allowed to fight,
+and see what he will tell you."
+
+I had forgotten that I could hook the hanging chain mail of my helmet
+across, in such manner that little but my eyes could be seen; but then
+that was never done but in battle--and I had never seen that yet.
+
+"Thanks, Mother," said I, with truth, for I saw that I might do this.
+"This is help indeed."
+
+"Not so fast, young sir," answered the crone; "Osric will not have you."
+
+"How know you that?"
+
+"How does an old woman of ninety years know many things? When you tell
+me that, I will say how I know that Osric will send you about your
+business; and that will be the best day's work he ever did."
+
+Now I was nearly angry at that, for it seemed to set light store on my
+valour; but there seemed something more in the old woman's tone than her
+taunting words would convey, so I said plainly:
+
+"Then shall I go to him?"
+
+"Aye, fool, did I not tell you so?"
+
+"But if it is no good?"
+
+"Is it no good for a man who is accused of disloyalty to have witness
+that he wished, at least, to spend his life for his country? Moreover,
+there is work for you to do which fighting will hinder for this turn--
+go to, Heregar, I will tell you no more. Now do my bidding and go, and
+never will you forget that you helped an old witch with her burden."
+
+"Well, then, Mother," I said, hooking up the mail tippet across my face,
+"if I must go down into the town, surely I will carry that bundle."
+
+"That shall you not," she answered, dropping it again, and sitting down
+on it. "Heregar the king's thane--the standard bearer--shall bend to
+no humbler burden than the Dragon of Wessex. Go; and Thor and Odin
+strike with you."
+
+And then she covered up her face, and would look no more at me. I
+thought her crazed, maybe, but a sort of chill came over me as I heard
+her name the old heathen gods, and I thought of the Valas of old time,
+and knew how here and there some of the old worship lingered yet.
+
+However, good advice had she given, showing me the way to try my fortune
+in the way I wished, and after that heathenish blessing I had no mind to
+stay longer, for such like are apt to prove unlucky; so I bid her good
+even, and went my way towards the town. After all, I thought, king's
+thane I was once, and may be again; and to bear the standard must be won
+by valour, so that, too, may come to pass. Whereupon I remembered the
+badger that scared me in the moonlight, and was less confident in myself.
+
+Many were the questions put me as I passed into the marketplace of
+Bridgwater, but I answered none, pushing on to where I saw Osric the
+Sheriff's banner over a great house. Mostly the men scoffed at me for
+thinking that I should win more renown in disguise; but some thought me
+a messenger, and clustered after me, to hear what they might.
+
+When I came to the house door, where Osric lay, it was guarded, and the
+guards asked me my business. I said I would see the sheriff and then
+they demanded name and errand. Now, I could give neither, and was at a
+loss for a moment. Then I said that I was one of the bearers of the war
+arrow, and though that was but a chance shot, as it were, it passed me
+in at once, for often a bearer would return to give account of some
+thane ill, or absent, or the like.
+
+They took me to a great oaken-walled hall where sat many thanes along
+great tables, eating and drinking, and at the highest seat was Osric,
+and next him, Matelgar. This assembly, and most of all that my enemy
+should be present, was against me in making my plea; but as the old
+crone had said, I should be no loser by witness.
+
+I waited till a thrall had told Osric that one of his messengers was
+here, and then they beckoned me to go to him. He shifted round in his
+chair to speak to me, but I was watching Matelgar, and saw his glance
+light on my sword hilt. Recognizing it, he grew pale, and then red,
+half-rising from his seat to speak to Osric, but thinking better thereof.
+
+"Well; what news and whence?" said the sheriff, who was a small, wiry
+man, with a sour look, as I thought. Men spoke well of him though.
+
+"The Danes lie off the Holms, sir," I said, for I would gain time.
+
+"I know that," he answered testily; "pull that mail off your face, man;
+they are not here yet, and your voice is muffled behind it."
+
+I suppose that the coming and going of messengers was constant, and
+indeed there came another even then, so the other thanes paid little
+attention after they heard my stale news, except Matelgar; who went on
+watching me closely.
+
+I was just about to ask the sheriff to hear me privately, when Matelgar
+plucked him by the sleeve, having made up his mind at last, and drawing
+him down a little, spoke to him a few words, among which I caught my own
+name.
+
+The sheriff looked sharply at me, twitching his sleeve away, and I saw
+that there was to be no more concealment; so I dropped the tippet and
+let him see who I was, saying at the same time:
+
+"Safe conduct I crave, Osric the Sheriff."
+
+Then a silence came over the thanes who saw and knew me, looking up to
+see what this new freak of mine was. And Osric frowned at me, but said
+nothing, so I spoke first.
+
+"Outlaw I am, Osric, but I can fight; today I bore the war arrow--that
+one who neither knew nor believed me gave me--faithfully to Matelgar
+the Thane, who is here in obedience to that summons. And when I took it
+I was on my way out of the kingdom as I was bidden, but I turned back
+because of the need for a trusty messenger. Now I ask only to be allowed
+to fight alongside your men in this levy, and after that it is over--
+if I live--I will go my way again."
+
+That was all I had to say, and when I ceased a talk buzzed up among the
+thanes. But Matelgar looked black, and Osric made no answer, frowning,
+indeed, but more I think at the doubt he was in than with anger at me.
+
+I saw that Matelgar longed to speak, but dared not as yet, and then he
+cast his eye down the hall, and seemed to make some sign.
+
+Presently Osric said in a doubtful way, "Never heard I the like. Now I
+myself know not why an outlaw should not fight if he wills to do so.
+
+"What say you, thanes?" he cried loudly, turning to those down the hall.
+
+Instantly one rose up and shouted, "We will have no traitors in our ranks."
+
+Then I knew what Matelgar's sign meant, for this was a close friend of
+his. On that, too, several others said the same, and one cried that I
+should be hounded out of the hall and town. Osric frowned when he heard
+that, and looked at me; but I stood with my arms folded, lest I should
+be tempted to lay hand on sword, and so give my enemies a hold on me.
+Matelgar himself said nothing, as keeping up his part of friend bound by
+loyalty to accuse me against his will.
+
+As for the other thanes, they talked, but all the outcry was against my
+being allowed to join, and at last Osric seemed to be overborne by them,
+for voices in my favour were few heard, if many thought little harm of
+my request. But then the offer of the help of one man was, anyway, a
+little thing, and if he were doubted it would be ill. And I could see,
+as Osric would also see, that the matter would be spread through the
+levy by those against me.
+
+Now as I thought of the likelihood of one of Matelgar's men spearing me
+during the heat of fight, I wondered if he feared the same of me, for I
+have often heard tales of the like.
+
+Then Osric answered me, kindly enough, but decidedly:
+
+"Nay, Heregar, you hear that this must not be. Outlaw is outlaw, and
+must count for naught. I may not go against the word of the Moot, and
+inlaw you again by giving you a place. Go hence in peace, and take your
+way; yet we thank you for bearing the message to Matelgar. Link up your
+mail again, and tell any man that you bear messages from me; the
+watchword is 'Wessex' for the guards are set by now, and you will need it."
+
+As he spoke thus kindly Matelgar's face grew black as night; but he
+dared say no word. So I bowed to the sheriff and, linking up my mail,
+went sadly enough down the hall. It was crowded at one place, and there
+some friendly hand patted me softly on the shoulder, though most shrank
+from me; but yet I would not turn to see who it was, that helped me.
+
+Now I have often wondered that no inquiry was made about my arms, and
+how I came by them; but what I believe is, that even then men began to
+know that Matelgar and his friends had played me false, but that they
+would not, and Matelgar's people dared not, say much. As for Osric, his
+mind was full of greater troubles, and I suppose he never thought thereof.
+
+I passed out into the street, but now it was falling dark, and few
+noticed me. The men sat about along the house walls on settles, eating
+and drinking and singing. And I, coming to a dark place, sat down among
+a few and ate and drank as well for half an hour, and then passing the
+guards at the entrance to the town on the road to Cannington, struck out
+for Stert, that I might be near Alswythe, and wait for the possible
+coming of the Danes, and the battle in which I might join.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII. THE FIRES OF STERT.
+
+
+I went along the highroad now, for it was dark, and few were about. Only
+now and then I met a little party of men hurrying to the gathering
+place, and mostly they spoke to me, asking for news. And from them I
+learned, too, that nothing had been seen, while daylight served, of the
+Danes. Once, I had to say I was on Osric's errand, as he bade me, being
+questioned as to why I was heading away from the town.
+
+I could not see my hall as I passed close by its place, for the lights
+that ever shone thence in the old days, so lately, yet seeming so long,
+gone, were quenched. But I thought of a safe place whence to watch if
+the Danes came, where were trees in which I might hide if need were, as
+I had hidden this morning. This was on the little spur of hill men call
+by the name of the fisher's village below it, Combwich. It looked on all
+the windings of Parret river, and there would I soon know if landing was
+to be made for attack on Bridgwater. But I thought it likely that there
+would be an outpost of our men there for the same reason, and going
+thither went carefully.
+
+Sure enough there was a little watchfire and half a dozen men round it
+on the best outlook, and so I passed on still further, following round
+the spur of hill till I came to where the land overlooks the whole long
+tongue of Stert Point. That would do as well for me, I thought, and
+choosing, as best I could in the dark, a tree into which I knew by
+remembrance that I might easily get, I sat down at its foot, looking
+seaward.
+
+Now by this time the tide, which runs very strong and swiftly, must be
+flowing again, and I thought that most likely the Danes, having anchored
+during the ebb, would go on up channel with it, and that therefore I
+might have to hang about here for days before they landed, even were
+they to land at all. And this I had heard said many times by the men of
+the levy, some, indeed, saying that they might as well go home again.
+
+But I should do as well here as anywhere, or better, since, while
+Matelgar was away, I might yet see Alswythe again; though that, after my
+repulse by the sheriff, or perhaps I should rather say by his advisers,
+I thought not of trying yet. It would but be another parting. Still, I
+might find old Wulfhere, and send her messages by him before setting out
+westward again.
+
+Almost was I dozing, for the day had been very long, when from close to
+Stert came that which roused me completely, setting my heart beating.
+
+It was a bright flash of light from close inshore, on the Severn side of
+the tongue, followed by answering flashes, just as I had seen them at
+Watchet. But now the flashes came and went out instantly, for I was no
+longer looking down on the ship's decks as then.
+
+Well was it that I had seen this before from Quantock heights; for I
+knew that once again the Danes were landing, and that the peril was
+close at hand.
+
+Then at once I knew the terrible danger of Alswythe, for Matelgar's was
+the first hall that would be burnt.
+
+My first thought was to hasten thither and alarm Wulfhere, and then to
+hurry back to that outpost I had passed half a mile away, for the
+country danger must be thought of too.
+
+Then a better thought than either came to me. If it was, as it must be,
+barely half tide, the Danes would find mud between them and shore, too
+deep to cross, and must wait till the ships could come up to land, or
+until there was water enough to float their boats. I had an hour or more
+yet before they set foot on shore.
+
+Moreover, I would find out if landing was indeed meant, or if these were
+but signals for keeping channel on the outward course.
+
+So across the level meadows of Stert I ran my best, right towards the
+place where I had seen the light, which was at the top, as it were, of
+the wedge that Stert makes between the waters of Parret and the greater
+Severn Sea. There are high banks along the shore to keep out the spring
+tides, and under these I could watch in safety, unseen. Three fishers'
+huts were there only; but these I knew would be deserted for fear of the
+Danes.
+
+So I found them, and then, creeping up the bank, I stood still and
+peered out into the darkness. Yet it was not so dark on the water (which
+gleamed a little in the tide swirls here and there beyond half a mile of
+mud, black as pitch in contrast) but that I could make out at last six
+long black ships, lying as it seemed on the edge of the ooze. And I
+could hear, too, hoarse voices crying out on board of them, and now and
+then the rattle of anchor chains or the like, when the wind blew from
+them to me.
+
+And ever those ships crept nearer to me, so that I knew they were edging
+up to the land as the tide rose.
+
+That learnt, I knew what to do. I ran to the nearest fishers' hut, and
+pulled handfuls of the thatch from under the eaves, piling it to
+windward against the wooden walls. Then I fired the heap, and it blazed
+up bright and strong, and at once came a great howl of rage from the
+ships, plain to be heard, for they knew that now they might not land
+unknown.
+
+So had I warned Osric the Sheriff, and that matter was out of my hands.
+And, moreover, Wulfhere, being an old and tried warrior, would be warned
+as well. That, however, I would see to myself, and, if I could, I would
+aid him in getting Alswythe into a place of safety. So I ran back,
+bending my steps now towards her father's hall, up the roadway, if one
+might so call the track through the marshland that led thither.
+
+Just at the foot of the hill I met three men of the outpost, who were
+hurrying down to see what my fire meant. They challenged me, halting
+with levelled spears across the track. Then was I glad of the password,
+and answered by giving it.
+
+"Right!" said the man who seemed to be the leader. "What news?"
+
+I told him quickly, bidding him waste no time, but hurry back and tell
+the sheriff that the Danes would be ashore in half an hour. I spoke as I
+was wont to speak when I was a thane, forgetting in the dire need of the
+moment that I was an outlaw now, and the man was offended thereat.
+
+"Who are you to command me thus?" he said shortly.
+
+"Heregar, the thane of Cannington." said I, still only anxious that he
+should go quickly.
+
+"Heard one ever the like!" said the man, and then I remembered.
+
+I looked round at my fire. Two huts were burning now, very brightly, for
+the wind fanned the flames.
+
+"Saw you ever the like?" I said, and pointed. "Now, will you go?"
+
+The bright light shone on a row of flashing, gilded dragon heads on the
+ships' stems--on lines of starlike specks beyond them, which were
+helms and mail coats--and on lines again of smaller stars above, which
+were spear points.
+
+"Holy saints!" cried the man, adding a greater oath yet; "be you Heregar
+the outlaw or no, truth you tell, and well have you done. Let us begone,
+men!"
+
+And with that those three leapt away into the darkness up the hill,
+leaving me to follow if I listed.
+
+That was not my way, however, and I ran on to Matelgar's hall.
+
+One stood at the gate. It was Wulfhere. Inside I heard the trampling of
+horses, and knew that they would be ready in time. Wulfhere laid hand on
+sword as I came up, doubting if I were not a Dane, but I cried to him
+who I was, and he came out a step or two to me, asking for news.
+
+And when I told him what I had seen and done, he, too, said I had done
+well, and that I had saved Alswythe, if not many more. Also, that he had
+sent a man to tell Matelgar of his plans. Then he told me that even now
+the horses were ready, and that he was about to abandon the place, going
+to the house of that thane of whom I had told him. And I said that I
+would go some way with him, and then return to join the levy, making
+known my ill-luck with Osric.
+
+"Ho!" said he; "it was well he sent you away, as it seems to me."
+
+That was the word of the old crone, I remembered, that it should be so.
+
+Then came a soft touch on my arm, and on turning I saw Alswythe standing
+by me, wrapped in a long cloak, and ready. And neither I nor she thought
+shame that I should lay my arm round her, and kiss her there, with the
+grim old housecarle standing by and pretending to look out over Stert,
+where the light of my fires shone above the trees.
+
+"Heregar, my loved one, what does it all mean?" she said, trembling a
+little. "Have they come?"
+
+I folded my arm more closely round her, and would have answered, but
+that Wulfhere did so for me.
+
+"Aye, lady, and it is to Heregar that we owe our safety, for he has been
+down to Stert and warned us all."
+
+At that my love crept closer to me, as it were to thank me. Then she said:
+
+"Will there be fighting? And will my father have to fight?"
+
+"Aye, lady," said Wulfhere again, "as a good Saxon should."
+
+"Must I go from here?" she asked again; and I told her that the house
+would be burnt, maybe, in an hour or so.
+
+At that she shivered, and tried not to weep, being very brave.
+
+"Where must we go?" she said, with a little tremble in her voice.
+
+I told her where we would take her, and then she cried out that she must
+bide near at hand lest her father should be hurt, and none to tend him.
+
+And Wulfhere and I tried a little to overpersuade her, but then a groom
+came to say that all was ready.
+
+And, truly, no time must be lost, if we would get off safely.
+
+Then I said that it would be safe to go to Bridgwater, for then we
+should be behind the levy, and that the Danes must cut through that
+before reaching us. And to that Wulfhere agreed, for I knew he would
+rather be swinging his sword against the Danes at Stert than flying
+through the woods of the Quantocks.
+
+Alswythe thanked me, without words indeed, and then in a few minutes she
+was mounted, and we were going up towards the high road to Bridgwater.
+We had twelve horses, and on them were the women of the house, bearing
+what valuables they might, as Wulfhere had bade them. One horse carried
+two women, but they were a light burden, and we had no such terrible
+haste to make, seeing that every moment brought us nearer the levy.
+There were the men and boys as well, but they led the beasts.
+
+Now when we reached the high road, some half mile away, suddenly
+Alswythe reined up her horse, by which I walked, giving a little cry,
+and I asked what it was.
+
+Then she said, sobbing a little, that she would her cows were driven out
+into the forest where they were wont to feed, lest the cruel Danes
+should get them. And to please her I think I should myself have gone
+back, but that Wulfhere called one of the men, who, it seemed, was the
+cowherd, bidding him return and do this, if the Danes were not coming
+yet. Glad enough was I to hear the man say that he had done it already
+--"for no Dane should grow fat on beasts of his tending, and they were
+a mile off by now."
+
+So we went on, and every minute I looked to meet our levy advancing. But
+the moon rose, and shone on no line of glancing armour that I longed
+for, and Wulfhere growled to himself as he went. I would have asked him
+many questions, but would not leave Alswythe, lest she should be
+alarmed. And all the way, as we went, I told her of what had befallen me
+with Osric, saying only that her father was there, but had not been able
+to speak for me. And I told her of the old crone's words, which she
+thought would surely come true, all of them, as they had begun to do so.
+
+It is a long five miles from Matelgar's place to the town, and we could
+only travel at a foot's pace. But still we met no force. Indeed, until
+we were just a half mile thence, we saw no one. Then we met a picket,
+who, seeing we were fugitives, let us go on unchallenged.
+
+But Wulfhere stopped and questioned the men, and got no pleasant answer
+as it seemed, for he caught us up growling, coming alongside of me, and
+saying--for Alswythe could not know the ways of war--that they would
+attack with morning light. But I felt only too keenly, though I knew so
+little, that to fight the Danes when they had their foot firmly ashore,
+was a harder matter than to meet them but just landed.
+
+We were so close to the town now that I asked Alswythe where she would
+be taken. Already we were passing groups of fugitives from the nearer
+country, and the town would be full of them, to say nothing of the men
+of the levy.
+
+She thought a little, and then asked me if she might not go to her
+father, wherever he was. But I told her that he was but a guest of
+Osric, as it seemed. Then she said that she would go to her aunt, who
+was the prioress of the White Nuns, and bide in the nunnery walls till
+all was safe. And that seemed a good plan, both to me and Wulfhere, for
+it would--though this we said not to Alswythe--set us free to fight,
+as there we might not come, and she would be safe without us.
+
+Then I told Wulfhere how we could reach that house without going through
+the crowded town, and so turned to the right, skirting round in the
+quiet lanes.
+
+The gray dawn began to break as we saw the nunnery before us, and it was
+very cold. But Alswythe pointed to a crimson glow behind us, as we
+topped the last rise, saying that the sun would be up soon.
+
+Wulfhere and I looked at each other. That glow was not in the east, but
+shone from Matelgar's hall--in flames.
+
+And then we feigned cheerfulness, and said that it would be so; and
+Alswythe smiled on me, though she was pale and overwrought with the
+terror she would not show, and the long, dark, and cold journey.
+
+We came to the nunnery gate and knocked; and the old portress looked out
+of the wicket and asked our business, frightened at the glint of mail
+she saw. But Alswythe's voice she knew well, as she answered, begging
+lodging for herself and her maidens, till this trouble was over.
+
+It was no new thing for a lady of rank to come into that quiet retreat
+with her train when on a journey; and after a little time, while the
+portress told the prioress, the doors were thrown open, and we rode into
+the great courtyard, where torches burnt in the dim gray morning light.
+
+Then came the prioress, mother's sister to Alswythe, a tall and
+noble-looking lady, greeting her and us kindly, and so promising safe
+tending to her niece so long as she needed.
+
+Here Alswythe must part from me, giving me but her hand to kiss, as also
+to Wulfhere, but there was a warm pressure on my hand for myself alone
+that bided with me. And the prioress thanked us for our care, not
+knowing me in the half light, and in mail, and so were we left in the
+courtyard, where an old lay brother, brought from the near monastery,
+showed us the stabling and provender for our horses, and the loft where
+the men should sleep, outside the walls of the inclosed building.
+
+Here Wulfhere bade the men and boys remain, tending their horses until
+he should return, or until orders came from their master himself or from
+the lady Alswythe; for they were thralls, and not men who should be with
+the levy.
+
+Then he and I went out into the roadway and walked away until we were
+alone.
+
+"What now?" I asked.
+
+"I must join my master, telling him what I have done, and that the lady
+is safe. So shall I march with the rest most likely. What shall I say of
+your part in this?"
+
+"Nought," I answered.
+
+"Maybe that is best--just now," he agreed.
+
+We had come to the town streets now, and they seemed empty. The light
+was strong enough by this time, and there came a sound of shouting from
+the place of the market cross, and then we heard the bray of war horns,
+and Wulfhere quickened his pace, saying that the men were mustering, or
+maybe on the march.
+
+Then I longed to go with him, but that might not be. So I left him at
+last, saying that I should surely join in the fight.
+
+I had not gone six paces from him when he called me, and I could see
+that he looked anxious.
+
+"Master," he said, "this is going to be a doubtful fight as it seems to
+me. Yon Danes know that the country is raised, but yet they have come
+back, and they mean to fight. Now our levy is raw, and has no
+discipline, and I doubt it will be as it was at Charnmouth. If that is
+so, Bridgwater will be no safe place for the lady Alswythe. She must be
+got hence with all speed."
+
+"Shall you not return and hide with her?" I asked.
+
+"That is as the master bids," said he, and then he added, looking at me
+doubtfully, "I would you were not so bent on this fight."
+
+Then was I torn two ways--by my longing to strike a blow for Wessex,
+and by my love for my Alswythe and care for her safety. And I knew not
+what to say. Wulfhere understood my silence, and then decided for me.
+
+"You have hearkened to me before, master, and now I will speak again.
+Get you to your place of last night on Combwich Hill, and there look on
+the fight; or, if it be nearer this, find such a place as you know.
+Then, if there is victory for us, all is well: but if not, you could not
+aid with your one strength to regain it. Then will Alswythe need you."
+
+"I would fain fight," I said, still doubting.
+
+"Aye, master; but already have you done well, and deserved well of the
+sheriff, and of all. He bade you fight not today--let it be so. There
+is loyalty also in obedience, and ever must some bide with the things
+one holds dear."
+
+"I will do as you say," said I shortly, and so I turned and went.
+
+He stood and looked after me for a little, and then he too hurried away
+towards the cross. Then I skirted round the town, and waited at that
+place where I had met with the old woman, until I saw the van of our
+forces marching down the road towards Cannington. These I kept up with
+by hurrying from point to point alongside the road, as best I might.
+
+They were a gallant show to look on, gay with banners and bright armour.
+Yet I had heard of the ways of armies, and thought to see them marching
+in close order and in silence. But they were in a long line with many
+gaps, and here and there the mounted thanes rode to and fro, seemingly
+trying to make them close up. And they sang and shouted as they went.
+
+When we came to the steep rise of Cannington hill, some of those thanes
+spurred on and rode to the summit, and there waited a little, till the
+men joined them. There was silence, and a closing up as they breasted
+the steep pitch; and then I must go through woods, and so lost sight of
+them for a while. I passed close to my own hall--closed and deserted.
+Every soul in all the countryside had fled into the town, though after
+the levy came a great mixed crowd of thralls and the like to see the fray.
+
+Now here I thought to cross in the rear of the force that I might reach
+Combwich hill. But that was not to be.
+
+When I saw the array again it was halted, and the men were closing up.
+And between the levy and that crowd of followers was a great gap, and
+some of these last were making for the shelter of swamp and wood. I
+myself was on a little rise of heathy land and could see plainly before
+me the road going up over the neck of Combwich hill in the steep-sided
+notch there is there, where the ascent is easiest.
+
+And that road was barred halfway up the hillside by a close-ranked
+company, on which the sun shone brightly, showing scarlet cloaks and
+gilded helms not only on the roadway, but flanking the hills on either
+side. These were the Danes, and behind them, over the hill, rose the
+smoke from Matelgar's burnt home.
+
+Even as I looked, a great roar of defiance came from our men; but the
+Danes made no answer, standing still and silent. And that seemed
+terrible to me. So for a moment they stood, and then, as at some signal,
+from them broke out that deep chant with its terrible swinging melody,
+that had come faintly to me from Watchet haven.
+
+Then our men rushed forward, and even where I stood I could hear the
+crash of arms on shields as the lines met--the ringing of the chime of
+war--and our men fought uphill.
+
+And now it needed all my force to keep myself, for Alswythe's sake, from
+joining in that fray, and presently, when I would take my hand from my
+sword hilt, it was stiff and cramped from clutching hard upon it, as I
+watched those two lines swaying, and heard the yells of the fighters.
+
+And indeed I should surely have joined, but there came a voice to me:
+
+"Bide here in patience, Heregar, the king's thane! There is work for you
+yet that fighting will hinder."
+
+And the old crone, Gundred, who had come I know not how, laid her hand
+on my arm.
+
+"Look at the tide, Heregar, look at the tide!" she said, pointing to
+Parret river, where the mud banks lay bare and glistening with the
+falling water. "Let them drive these Danes back to their stranded ships,
+and how many will go home again to Denmark, think you?"
+
+And I prayed that this might be so: for I knew she spoke truth. If they
+might not reach their ships, and became penned in on Stert, they were
+lost--every one, for none might cross the deep ooze.
+
+"Not this time, Heregar. Remember, when the time comes," she said.
+
+And I paid no heed to her. For now horses were galloping riderless along
+the road and into the fields. And men were crawling back from the fight,
+to fall exhausted in the rear, and then--then the steadfast line of
+the scarlet-cloaked Danes charged down the hill, driving our men like
+sheep before them.
+
+"Up and to your work!" said the crone, pointing towards Bridgwater; and
+I, who had already made two steps, with drawn sword, towards that
+broken, flying rabble, remembered Alswythe, and turned away, groaning,
+to hasten to her rescue. For it was, as Wulfhere had said, all that I
+could do.
+
+Swiftly I went, turning neither to right nor left along the road,
+hearing always behind me the cries of those who fled, and the savage
+shouts of the pursuing vikings. I was in the midst of that crowd of
+thralls once, but they thinned, taking to the woods whence I had come;
+while I kept on.
+
+Then I saw one of those horses, a great white steed, standing, snorting,
+by the wayside where he had stopped, and I spoke to him, and he let me
+catch and mount him, and so I rode on.
+
+Yet when I came to the top of Cannington Hill I looked back. All the
+road was full of our men, flying; and a thought came into my head, and I
+dared to draw rein and wait for them, linking my mail again across my face.
+
+They came up, panting, and wild with panic, and there with voice and
+hand I bade them stand on that vantage ground and block the way against
+the Danes; bidding them remember the helpless ones in the town, who must
+have time to fly, and how the Danes must needs shrink from a second
+fight after hot pursuit.
+
+And there is that in a Saxon's stubborn heart which bade them heed me,
+and there they formed up again, wild with rage and desperate, and the
+line grew thicker and firmer as more came up, with the sheriff himself,
+till the foremost pursuing Danes recoiled, and some were slain, and I
+knew that the flight was over.
+
+Then I slipped from my horse and made my way on foot, lest men should
+notice my going, but the horse followed me, and soon I mounted him again
+and galloped on.
+
+Then I found that though I had not noticed it, my mail had fallen apart:
+but I knew not if any had known me, or even had noted who I might be.
+
+So I came to Bridgwater, bringing terror with me, as men gathered what
+had befallen from my haste. Yet I stayed for none; but went on to the
+nunnery.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX. IN BRIDGWATER.
+
+
+Two of Wulfhere's men were by the gate, lounging against the sunny wall;
+but they roused into life as they heard the clatter of my horse's hoofs,
+and came to meet me and take the bridle, as was their duty. They knew
+who I was well enough; but thralls may not question the ways of a thane,
+as I was yet in their eyes, though outlawed. Yet they asked me for news
+of the fight, and I told them--lest they should raise a panic, or
+maybe leave us themselves--only that our men stood against the Danes
+on Cannington Hill, and that beyond them the invaders could not come.
+And that satisfied them.
+
+I was doubtful whether to go in at once and seek audience with the
+prioress, or wait until some fresh news came in; for now I began to have
+a hope that our men would sweep down the hill on the Danes and scatter
+them in turn, even as they had themselves been overborne. So for half an
+hour I waited, pacing the road before the nunnery, while I bade the men
+see to my horse; but the place was very quiet, being on that side the
+town away from the fight, so that any coming thence would stay their
+flight when the shelter of the houses was reached.
+
+At last came one, running at a steady pace, and I sprang to meet him,
+for it was Wulfhere. His face was hard and set, his armour was covered
+with blood, and he had a bandage round his head instead of helmet; but
+he was not hurt much, as one might see by the way he came.
+
+He grasped my hand without a word, and threw himself on the bank by the
+road side to get breath, and I stood by him, silent for a while.
+
+"Heregar," he said at last, "it is well for Bridgwater town, and these
+here in this nunnery, that you obeyed and fought not."
+
+"Wherefore?" I said. "Must we fly?"
+
+"I saw you rally the men on Cannington Hill, and that was the best thing
+done in all this evil day."
+
+"Then," I asked, "do they yet stand?"
+
+"Aye; for the Danes have drawn off, and our men bar the way here."
+
+I told him what I had hoped from a charge of our levy; but he shook his
+head and told me that, even had our men the skill to see their
+advantage, the Danes had formed up again on seeing that this might be,
+and had gone back in good order to their first post at Combwich.
+
+"But our levy will not bide a second fight," he said sadly. "Already the
+men are making off home, in twos and threes, saying that the Danes will
+depart, and the like. Tomorrow the way here will be open, for there will
+be no force left to Osric by the morning. I have seen such things before."
+
+"Then must the Lady Alswythe fly," I said: "but where is Matelgar?"
+
+"Struck down as he fled," said Wulfhere grimly. "I saw Osric and twenty
+of his men close round him and beat back the Danes for a moment: but I
+could not win to them, and so came back to you as you rallied us. That
+was well done," he said again.
+
+"I left when Osric came up. Matelgar I saw not," I said.
+
+"Osric saw you, though," answered Wulfhere, "and, moreover, knew you.
+And I heard him cry out when he saw the white horse riderless; for the
+arrows were still flying, and he thought you slain, I think."
+
+Now I wondered if Osric would be wroth with me, thinking I had fought
+against his orders; but I had little time to think of myself, all my
+care being for Alswythe, who had lost home and father in one day; being
+left to Wulfhere, and me--an outlaw.
+
+Then Wulfhere and I took counsel about flight, being troubled also about
+the holy women in this place; for the heathen would not respect the
+walls of a nunnery. But for them we thought Osric would surely care.
+
+Now there came to us as we stood and talked, a housecarle in a green
+cloak, and asked us if we had seen a warrior, wounded maybe, riding a
+great white horse, which, he added, had been Edred the Thane's, who was
+killed.
+
+"Aye, that have I," said Wulfhere, "what of him?"
+
+"Osric the Sheriff seeks him. Tell me quickly where I may find him."
+
+"Is Osric back in the town?" asked Wulfhere in surprise.
+
+"Aye, man, and half the levy with him. The Danes will go away now.
+Enough are left to mind them."
+
+Then Wulfhere stamped on the ground in rage, cursing the folly of every
+man of the levy. And the housecarle stared at him as at one gone
+suddenly mad; but I knew only too well that his worst fears were on the
+way to be realized, and that soon there would be no force left on
+Cannington Hill.
+
+Suddenly he turned on the messenger and asked if he knew the name of the
+man he sought.
+
+"No; but men say that it was one Heregar--an outlawed thane. And some
+say that it was one of the saints."
+
+"Will Osric string him up, think you, if he can catch him, and it be
+Heregar only, and no saint?"
+
+The man stared again.
+
+"Surely not," he said, "for he was sore cast down once, on the hill,
+thinking him slain. But men had seen him remount and ride on, And Osric
+bid me, and all of us who seek him, pray Heregar--if Heregar it be--
+to come to him in all honour. Let me go and seek him."
+
+Then Wulfhere turned to me and asked if I would go. And at that the man
+made reverence to me, giving his message again.
+
+Then I said "Is Matelgar the Thane with him?" and he answered that
+Matelgar was slain before the stand was made.
+
+Then I said I would go, if only to ask Osric for a guard to keep the
+Lady Alswythe safe in her flight. And Wulfhere agreed, but doubtfully,
+saying that nevertheless he would make ready the horses and provisions
+for a journey, biding till I came back, or sent a messenger.
+
+So I went with the housecarle, who led me again through the marketplace
+to that same great house whence I had been sent forth overnight. All the
+square was full of men, drinking deeply, some boasting of their deeds,
+and some of deeds to be done yet. But many sat silent and gloomy, and
+more cried out with pain as their wounds were dressed by the leeches or
+the womenfolk. All was confusion, and, indeed, one might not know if
+this turmoil was after victory or defeat.
+
+None noticed me or my guide, but, indeed, I saw few men I knew in all
+the crowd, for the men of Bridgwater and those of Matelgar's following
+had fought most fiercely on their own land, and even now stayed to guard
+what they might on the hill.
+
+Osric again sat in the great chair in the hall, as I could see through
+the open door, and round him were the thanes; but far fewer than last
+night. And presently a housecarle spoke to him, and he rose up and left
+the hall. Then they led me to a smaller chamber, and there he was alone,
+and waiting for me.
+
+Now I knew not what his wish to see me might mean, but from him I looked
+for no harm, remembering how he had seemed to favour me even in refusing
+my request. But, least of all did I look for him to come forward to meet
+me, taking both my hands, and grasping them, while he thanked me for the
+day's work.
+
+"Lightly I let you go last night, Heregar," he said, "setting little
+store on the matter among all the trouble of the gathering. But when I
+sent you away and forgot you, surely the saints guided me. For I have
+heard how you dared to go down to Stert and warn us all, and I saw you
+stay the flight, even now. Much praise, and more than that, is due to
+you. Were you in the fight?"
+
+Then I could answer him to a plain question; for all this praise, though
+it was good to hear, abashed me.
+
+"Nay, Sheriff," I answered. "Fain would I have been there, but a wiser
+head than mine advised me, and bade me do your bidding, and forbear.
+Else should I surely have fought."
+
+"Loyalty has brought good to us all, Heregar," he said, looking squarely
+at me. "Yet should I have hardly blamed you had you disobeyed me."
+
+Then I flushed red, thinking shame not to have done so, and went to
+excuse myself for obedience.
+
+"Yet had I the safety of a lady who must die, if the battle went wrongly
+for us, laid on me in a way," I said.
+
+"Matelgar's fair daughter?" he asked.
+
+"Aye, Sheriff," And I told him of the flight from the hall, and where
+she was now, wondering how he guessed this. But I had come from Stert,
+and therefore the guess was no wonder. He looked at me gravely, and then
+sat down, motioning me to be seated also. He treated me not as an
+outlaw, I thought.
+
+"Matelgar is dead," he said. "I saw him fall, and tried to bring him
+off. He was not yet sped when we beat off the Danes. And he had time to
+speak to me."
+
+I bowed in silence, not knowing what to say. Strange that, now my enemy
+was dead, I had no joy in it; but I thought of Alswythe only.
+
+The sheriff went on, looking at me closely.
+
+"He bade me find Heregar, the outlawed thane who spoke last night to me,
+and bid him forgive. Then he died, and I must needs leave him, for the
+Danes came on in force."
+
+Still I was silent, for many thoughts came up in my heart and choked me.
+How I had hated him, and yet how he had wronged me--even to seeking my
+life. Yet was I beginning to think of him but as a bad father to my
+Alswythe, but a man to be held in some regard, for the sake of her love
+to him. And it seems to me that shaping my words to this end so often
+had gradually turned my utter bitterness away: for one has to make one's
+thoughts go the way one speaks, if one would seem to speak true.
+
+"I may not make out all this, Heregar, my friend," said the sheriff;
+"but that you were disloyal ever, no man may say in my hearing after
+this day's work. And I know that Matelgar was the foremost in accusing
+you. Wherefore it seems to me that there was work there to be forgiven
+by you. Is that so?"
+
+The thing was so plain that I could but bow my head in assent.
+
+"Now," he went on, "I have heard private talk of this sort before now;
+but never mind. I cannot inlaw you again, Heregar; for that must needs
+be done in full Moot, as was the outlawry. Yet shall all my power be
+bent to help you back to your own, if only for the sake of today."
+
+Then would I thank him, but he stopped me.
+
+"To the man who lit the fire of Stert, who checked the panic on
+Cannington Hill, thanks are due, not gratitude from him. And to him
+justice and reward."
+
+Now I knew not what to say; but at that moment came a hurried rapping on
+the door and the sound of voices, speaking together. Then the door was
+thrown open and a man entered, heated and breathless, crying:
+
+"The Danes--they are on our men again!"
+
+Then Osric flushed red, and his eyes sparkled, and he bid the thanes who
+crowded after the messenger get to horse and sound the assembly at once
+to go to the assistance of those who were yet on the hill.
+
+And yet he turned to me when this was said, and took my hand again.
+
+"Get your lady in safety to Glastonbury, where Ealhstan the Bishop is. I
+will care for the nuns if need be. Take this ring of mine and show it to
+him, and then ride with it to Eanulf the Ealdorman and tell him of our
+straits. The words I leave to you, who have done better than all of us
+today."
+
+Then he took helm and sword from one who brought them in haste, and
+armed himself, while I, putting the ring he had given me on my finger,
+yet stood beside him. When he was armed he turned sharply to me.
+
+"You want to fight again," he said. "Well, I will not blame you; but
+believe me, you will do more for us in going to Eanulf than in spending
+your life here for nought."
+
+Then he saw he had said too much, perhaps, and motioning his man out of
+the room, so that we were alone, he went on quickly: "I say for nought,
+because all I can do is to hold back the Danes for a little; you have
+seen how it is. We are evenly matched in numbers, or thereabout; but
+they are trained and hardened warriors, and our poor men are all unused
+to war. Moreover, Heregar, these Danes come to fight, and our men do but
+fight because they must. Now I will send one after you to Glastonbury to
+let you know how this matter goes; but it will be, I fear, no pleasant
+message."
+
+Then would I not ask him for men as I had been minded to do, knowing
+what a strait he was in, and that his words were only too true. Those
+two differences between Dane and Saxon in those days of the first
+fighting left the victory too plainly on the side of the newcomers. And
+they sum up all the reasons for the headway they made against us till
+Alfred, our wise king, taught us to meet them in their own way.
+
+So once more I felt the grip of Osric's hand on mine, and I left him,
+with a heavy heart indeed, but with a new hope for myself and for
+Alswythe, in the end.
+
+I stood for a moment before I turned out of the marketplace, eating a
+loaf I had taken from the table as I passed, and watching the men
+gather, spiritless, for this new fight. On many, too, the strong ale had
+told, and it was a sorry force that Osric could take with him.
+
+But I might not stay, and was turning to go, when I saw one standing
+like myself and watching, close by. It was my host of Sedgemoor, Dudda
+the Collier. And never was face more welcome than his grimy countenance,
+for now I knew that I had found one who, in an hour, would take Alswythe
+into paths where none might follow, and that, too, on the nearest road
+to Glastonbury. There is no safer place for those who would fly, than
+the wastes of Sedgemoor to those who know, or have guide to them, and
+there no Danes would ever come.
+
+So I stepped up to him and touched him, and he grinned at seeing a known
+face, muttering to himself, "Grendel, the king's messenger."
+
+And as I beckoned he willingly followed me towards my destination,
+asking me of the fight, and what was on hand now so suddenly.
+
+I told him shortly, finding that he had been drawn from his own
+neighbourhood by curiosity, which must be satisfied before he went back.
+And I told him that now the Danes were close on Bridgwater, and that I
+must bear messages to Eanulf the Ealdorman. Would he earn a good reward
+by getting me and some others across Sedgemoor by the paths along which
+he had led me?
+
+And at that he grinned, delighted, saying, "Aye, that will I, master,"
+seeming to forget all else in prospect of gain.
+
+So I bade him follow me closely, and soon we were back at the nunnery
+gates.
+
+They were open, and inside I could see the horses standing. Wulfhere was
+waiting for me, looking anxious; but his brow cleared as he saw me, and
+he asked for the news, saying that he feared I had fallen into the wrong
+hands.
+
+Then I told him I had, as I thought, no more to fear, showing him the
+sheriff's ring and telling him of my errand.
+
+"That is nigh as good as inlawed again," he said gladly. "Anyway, you
+ride as the sheriff's man now."
+
+Then his face clouded a little, and he added, "But Glastonbury is a far
+cry, master, for the roads are none so direct."
+
+Then I called the collier, and Wulfhere questioned him, and soon was
+glad as I that I had met with him, saying that in an hour we should be
+in safety. But he would that the prioress and her ladies would come
+also, for he knew that Osric's fears would be only too true. Then must
+we go and tell Alswythe of the journey she must make; and how to tell of
+her father's death I knew not, nor did Wulfhere. And there we two men
+were helpless, looking at one another in the courtyard, and burning with
+impatience to get off.
+
+"Let us go first, and tell her on the way" said he.
+
+But I reminded him that we were here even now, and not on the far side
+of the Quantocks, because she would by no means leave her father.
+
+Now while we debated this, the old sister who was portress, opened the
+wicket and asked us through it why these horses stood in the yard, and
+what we armed men did there. And that decided me. I would ask for speech
+with the prioress, and tell her the trouble.
+
+That pleased Wulfhere: and I did so. Then the portress asked who I might
+be, and lest my name should but prove a bar to speech with the lady, I
+showed her Osric's ring, which she knew as one he was wont to give to
+men as surety that they came from him on his errand. And that was
+enough, for in a few minutes she came back, taking me to the guest chamber.
+
+There I unhelmed and waited, while those minutes seemed very long,
+though they were but few before the lady came in.
+
+She started a little when she saw who I was, for she had known me well,
+and knew now in what case I had been. But Alswythe had told her also of
+what I had been able to do for her last night, if she had heard no more,
+for news gets inside even closed walls, in one way or another, from the
+lay people who serve the place.
+
+I bent my knee to her, and she looked at me very sadly, saying: "I knew
+and loved your mother, Heregar, my son, and sorely have I grieved for
+you--not believing all the things brought against you. How come you
+here now?"
+
+Then I held out my hand and showed her Osric's ring, only saying that as
+the good sheriff trusted me I would ask her to do so. And at that she
+looked glad, and said that she would hold Osric's trust as against any
+word she had heard of me in dispraise.
+
+So I bowed, and then, thinking it foolish to waste time, begged her to
+forgive bluntness, and told her of the death of Matelgar and of the sore
+danger of the town, and of how Osric had hidden me take Alswythe to
+Glastonbury to the bishop, and how he would himself care for her own
+safety.
+
+She was a brave lady, and worthy of the race of Offa from which she
+sprung. And she heard me to the end, only growing very pale, while her
+hand that rested on the table grew yet whiter as she clenched it.
+
+"Can we not recover the body of the thane?" she asked, speaking very low.
+
+I could but shake my head, for I knew that where he lay was now in the
+hands of the Danes. True, if Osric could beat them off again he might
+gain truce for such recovery on both sides; but that seemed hopeless to
+me. Then I was bold to add:
+
+"Now, lady, this matter is pressing, and in your hands I must leave it.
+Trust the Lady Alswythe to me and her faithful servant, Wulfhere, and I
+will be answerable for her with my life. But of her father's death I
+dare not tell her."
+
+Then she bowed her head a little, and, I think, was praying. For when
+she looked at me again her face was very calm though so pale.
+
+"Alswythe has told me of you, Heregar, my son," she said, "and to you
+will I trust her. Moreover I will bid her go at once, and I will tell
+her that heavy news you bring. You will not have long to wait, for in
+truth we are ready, fearing such as this."
+
+Then I kissed her hand, and she blessed me, and went from the room. And,
+taught by her example, I prayed that I might not fail in this trust, but
+find safety for her I loved.
+
+Now came the sister who had charge of such things, and set before me a
+good meal with wine, saying no word, but signing the cross over all in
+token that I might eat, and glad enough was I to do so, though in haste.
+Yet before I would begin I asked that sister to let Wulfhere know that
+all was going right, and to bid him be ready. She said no word, as must
+have been their rule, but went out, and I knew afterwards that she sent
+one to tell him.
+
+In a quarter hour or so, and when I, refreshed with the good food I so
+needed, was waxing restless and impatient, the prioress came back, and
+signed me to follow her, and taking my helm, I did so, till we came to
+the great door leading to the courtyard. There stood Alswythe, very
+pale, and trying to stop her weeping very bravely, and she gave me her
+hand for a moment, without a word, and it was cold as ice, and shook a
+little; yet it had a lingering grasp on mine, as though it would fain
+rest with me for a little help.
+
+There were but two of her maidens with her, and the prioress saw that I
+was surprised, and said: "The rest bide with us, Heregar, and here they
+will surely be safe. Alswythe will take no more than these, lest you are
+hindered on the journey."
+
+And I was glad of that, though I should have loved to see her better
+attended, as befitted her; yet need was pressing, and this was best.
+Then the prioress kissed Alswythe and the maidens, and Wulfhere set them
+on their horses, for though I would fain help Alswythe myself, the lady
+had more to say to me, and kept me.
+
+She told me to take my charge to the abbess of her own order at
+Glastonbury, where they would be tended in all honour as here with
+herself, and she gave me a letter also to the abbess to tell her what
+was needed and why they came, and then she gave me a bag with gold in
+it, knowing that I might have to buy help on the way. For all this I
+thanked her; but she said that rather it was I who should be thanked,
+and from henceforward, if her word should in any way have weight, it
+should go with that of Osric the Sheriff for my welfare.
+
+And this seemed to me to be much said before my task was done, but
+afterwards I knew that she had talked with Wulfhere, who had told her
+all--even to the treachery of Matelgar. That would I have prevented,
+had I known, but so it was to be, and I had no knowledge of it till long
+after. Wulfhere had been called in to give her news while I was with
+Osric, yet he had not dared to tell her of the thane's death.
+
+All being ready, I mounted that white steed that had been the dead
+thane's, knowing that in war and haste these things must be taken as
+they come, and that he was better in Saxon hands than Danish. Then I
+gave the word, and we started, Dudda the Collier going by my side, and
+staring at the prioress and all things round him.
+
+Alswythe turned and looked hard at her aunt as we passed the gates, and
+I also. She stood very still on the steps before the great door, with
+the portress beside her. There was only the old lay brother in the court
+beside, and so we left her. And what my fears were for her and hers I
+could not tell Alswythe. For, as we left the gates, something in the sky
+over towards the battleground caught my eyes, and I turned cold with
+dread. It was the smoke from burning houses at Cannington.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X. FLIGHT THROUGH SEDGEMOOR.
+
+
+I was glad we had not to go through the town, for the sights there were
+such as Alswythe could not bear to look on. And if that smoke meant
+aught, it meant that our men were beaten back, and would even now be
+flying into the place with perhaps the Danes at their heels.
+
+I rode alongside Wulfhere, and motioned to him to look, and as he did so
+he groaned. Then he spoke quite cheerfully to his lady, saying that we
+had better push on and make a good start; and so we broke into a steady
+trot and covered the ground rapidly enough, ever away from danger.
+
+I rode next Alswythe, but I would not dare speak to her as vet. She had
+her veil down, and was quite silent, and I felt that it would be best
+for me to wait for her wish.
+
+Beside me trotted the collier, Wulfhere was leading, and next to
+Alswythe and me came the two maidens. After them came the three men and
+two boys, all mounted, and leading with them the other three horses of
+the twelve we had brought from Stert. They were laden with things for
+the journey given by the prioress, and with what they had saved from
+Matelgar's hall, though that was little enough.
+
+Wulfhere would fain have made the collier ride one of these spare
+horses; but the strange man had refused, saying that his own legs he
+could trust, but not those of a four-footed beast.
+
+It was seven in the bright May morning when Dane and Saxon met on
+Combwich Hill. It was midday when I met Wulfhere at the nunnery, and now
+it was three hours and more past. But I thought there was yet light
+enough left for us to find our way across Sedgemoor, and lodge that
+night in safety in the village near the collier's hut; and so, too,
+thought Wulfhere when I, thinking that perhaps Alswythe's grief might
+find its own solace in tears when I was not by her, rode on beside him
+for a while.
+
+"Once set me on Polden hills, master," said Wulfhere, "I can do well
+enough, knowing that country from my youth. But this is a good chance
+that has sent you your friend the collier."
+
+So he spoke, and then I fell to wondering, if it was all chance, as we
+say, that led my feet in that night of wandering to Dudda's hut, that
+now I might find help in sorer need than that. For few there are who
+could serve as guide over that waste of fen and swamp, and but for him
+we must needs have kept the main roads, far longer in their way to
+Glastonbury, as skirting Sedgemoor, and now to be choked with flying
+people.
+
+Presently Wulfhere asked me if in that village we might find one good
+house where to lodge the Lady Alswythe. And I told him that there I had
+not been, but at least knew of one substantial franklin, for my
+playfellow, Turkil, had been the son of such an one, as I was told. The
+collier, who ran, holding my stirrup leather, tireless on his lean limbs
+as a deerhound, heard this, and told me that the man's house was good
+and strong--not like those in Bridgwater--but a great house for
+these parts. So I was satisfied enough.
+
+Then this man Dudda, finding I listened to him in that matter, began to
+talk, asking me questions of the fighting, and presently "if I had seen
+the saint?"
+
+I asked him what he meant; and as I did so I heard Wulfhere chuckle to
+himself. Then he told me a wild story that was going round the town. How
+that, when all seemed lost, there came suddenly a wondrous vision,
+rising up before the men, of a saint clad in armour and riding a white
+horse, having his face covered lest men should be blinded by the light
+thereof, who, standing with drawn sword on Cannington Hill, so bade the
+men take courage that they turned and beat the Danes back. Whereupon he
+vanished, though the white horse yet remained for a little, before it,
+too, was gone.
+
+Well, thought I, Grendel the fiend was I but the other day, and now I am
+to be a saint. And with that I could not restrain myself, but laughed as
+once before I had laughed at this same man, for the very foolishness of
+the thing. Yet I might not let Alswythe know that I laughed, and so
+could not let it go as I would, and I saw that Wulfhere was laughing
+likewise, silently.
+
+Now this is not to be wondered at, though it was but a little thing
+maybe. For we had been like a long-bent bow, overstrained with doubt and
+anxiety, and, now that we were in safety with the lady, it needed but
+like this to slacken the tension, and bid our minds relieve themselves.
+So that laugh did us both good, and moreover took away some of the
+downcast look from our faces when next we spoke to our charge.
+
+When he could speak again, Wulfhere answered the man, still smiling.
+
+"Aye, man, I saw him. And he was wondrous like Heregar, our master, here."
+
+And at that the collier stared at me, and then said: "There be painted
+saints in our church. But they be not like mortal men, being no wise so
+well-favoured as the master."
+
+And that set Wulfhere laughing again, for the good monks who paint these
+things are seldom good limners, but make up for bad drawing by bright
+colour. So that one may only know saint from fiend by the gold, or the
+want of it, round his head.
+
+Then fell I to thinking again about myself, and what it takes to make
+man a saint or a fiend. And that thought was a long thought.
+
+Now were we come across Parret, and began our journey into the fens. And
+presently we must ride in single file along a narrow pathway which I
+could barely trace, and indeed in places could not make out at all. And
+here the collier led, going warily, then came Wulfhere, and then
+Alswythe, with myself next behind her to help if need were. After us the
+maidens, and then the rest.
+
+So we were in safety, for half a mile of this ground was safer than a
+wall behind us. We went silently for a little while, save for a few
+words of caution here and there. But at last Alswythe turned to me, and
+lifted her veil, smiling a little to me at last, and asking why we left
+the good roads for this wild place, for though we men were used to the
+like in hunting, she knew not that such places and paths could be,
+brought up as she was in the wooded uplands of our own corner of the
+country.
+
+I told her how I was to make all speed to Glastonbury, and that this was
+the nearest road: and she was content, being very trustful in both her
+protectors. But then she asked if that place should be reached before
+dark, having little knowledge of places or distances.
+
+Then I must needs tell how we were bound for that village where the
+hermit was, and Turkil of whom I had told her, seeing that it was over
+late to reach the town, but that there we hoped to come next day. And
+she said she would fain see those two, "and maybe Grendel also," smiling
+again a little to please me. And I knew how much that little jest cost
+her to make, and loved her the more for her thought for me. Then she was
+silent for a while.
+
+Presently one of the men in the rear shouted, and there was a great
+splashing and snorting of horses, and we looked round. One of the led
+horses had gone off the path and was in a bog, and that had set the rest
+rearing with fright.
+
+So we had to halt, and Wulfhere gave his horse to Dudda to hold while he
+went back. And that kept us for a while waiting, and then I could stand
+beside Alswythe for a little.
+
+"I have seen the last of my outlaw, they tell me," she said, wanting to
+learn how things were with me.
+
+Yet I was still that, if only for loss of lands and place. Though as
+Osric's chosen messenger I had that last again for a little, because of
+his need.
+
+So I told her that that matter must be settled by the Moot, but that
+Osric was my friend, and that while I bore his ring at least none might
+call me "outlaw". And at that she was glad, and told me that if she saw
+Leofwine the hermit she would tell him that his words were coming true.
+Then she looked hard at me, and said that she had heard from her aunt
+why Osric so trusted me, and that she was proud of Heregar. And I said
+that I had but done the things that someone had to do, and which came in
+my way, as it seemed to me, wherein I was fortunate.
+
+At that she smiled at me, seeming to think more of the matter than that,
+and so talked of other things. Yet she must needs at last come to that
+which lay nearest her heart, and so asked me if I had seen her father fall.
+
+And I was glad to say that I had not; adding that it was near Combwich
+Hill, as I had heard, and close to where Osric the Sheriff fought.
+
+So I think that all her life long she believed him to have fallen
+fighting in the first line, where Osric was, with his face to the enemy;
+for all men spoke well of the sheriff's valour that day, and none would
+say more than I told her. Yet it may have been that the thane fought
+well, unobserved, in that press, and there is perhaps little blame to
+many who fly in a panic.
+
+Now, that spoken of and passed over, she became more like her brave
+self, and from that time on would speak cheerfully both to Wulfhere and
+myself, as, the horses set in order again, we once more went on our
+winding way, following our guide.
+
+Glad was I when, just before sunset, we saw the woodland under which his
+hut was set, and heard the vesper bell ringing far off from the village
+church. Soon we were on hard ground again, and then I could show
+Alswythe where I had played Grendel unwittingly, and point the way I had
+wandered from Brent.
+
+There we rested the horses, for we had yet two miles to go, and they
+were weary with the long and heavy travelling of the fens. And Alswythe
+would go into the hut, and there her maidens brought her food and wine,
+and we stayed for half an hour.
+
+Wulfhere and I looked out towards Bridgwater town, now seeming under the
+very hills, in the last sunlight. Smoke rose from behind it, but that
+was doubtless from Cannington; yet there were other clouds of smoke
+rising against the sun, and as he looked at these the old warrior said
+that he feared the worst, for surely the Danes were spreading over the
+country and that need for them to keep together was gone.
+
+"If we see not Bridgwater on fire by tomorrow," he said, "it will be a
+wonder."
+
+But we knew that we could bide here for this night safe as if no Danes
+were nearer than the Scaw.
+
+After that rest we rode on through the woodland path, down which they
+had come to exorcise me, till we saw before us in the gray twilight the
+church and houses of the village, pleasant with light from door and
+window, and noise of barking dogs, as we crossed the open mark [viii].
+
+Dudda the Collier led us to the largest house which stood on the little
+central green round which the buildings clustered, and there the door
+stood open, and a tall man with a small boy beside him looked out to see
+what was disturbing the dogs. Behind them the firelight shone red on a
+pleasant and large room where we could see men at supper.
+
+And the light shone out on me, for the boy sprang out from his father's
+side, shouting that it was "Grendel come back again", and running to me
+to greet me.
+
+So we found a welcome in that quiet place, and soon the good franklin's
+wife came out, bustling and pitiful in her care for Alswythe and sorrow
+for her need to fly from her lost home, for it took but few words to
+explain what had befallen.
+
+They brought us in, and the thralls left supper to tend our horses,
+though Wulfhere would go with them to see that done before he joined us
+in the wide oak-built room that made all the lower floor of the house.
+Overhead was the place where Alswythe and her maidens should be, and
+built against the walls outside were the thralls' quarters, save for a
+few who slept in the lower room round the great fire.
+
+Now, how they treated us it needs not to be told, for it was in the way
+of a good Somerset franklin, and that is saying much. But that night he
+would talk little, seeing that I and Wulfhere were overdone with want of
+sleep. Indeed it was but the need of caution that had kept me from
+falling asleep on my horse more than once on the road. So very soon they
+brought us skins and cloaks, and we stretched ourselves before the fire,
+and warmed, and cleansed, and well refreshed with food and drink, fell
+to sleep on the instant.
+
+Yet not so soundly could I sleep at first, but that I woke once,
+thinking I heard the yells of the Danes close on us: but it was some
+farmyard sound from without, and peaceful.
+
+Then I slept again until, towards dawning I think, I awoke, shivering,
+and with a great untellable fear on me, and saw a tall, gray figure
+standing by my couch. And I looked, and lo it was Matelgar the Thane.
+
+Then I went to rouse Wulfhere, but my hand would not be stretched out,
+and the other men slept heavily, so that I lay still and looked in the
+dead thane's face and grew calmer.
+
+For his face was set with a look of sorrow such as I had never seen
+there, and he gazed steadfastly at me and I at him, and the grief in his
+face did but deepen. And at last he spoke, and the voice was his own,
+and yet not his own.
+
+"Heregar, sorely have I wronged you," he said, "and my rest is troubled
+therefor. Yet, when I heard what you had done for mine last night, my
+heart was sore within me, and I repented of all, and would surely have
+made amends. And now it is too late, and my body lies dishonoured on
+Parret side while I am here. Yet do you forgive, and mayhap I shall rest."
+
+Then I strove to speak, bidding him know that I forgave, but I could
+not, and he seemed to grow more sad, watching me yet. And when I saw
+that, I made a great effort, and stretching my hand towards him signed
+the blessed sign in token that that should bid me forgive him, so
+leaving my hand outstretched towards him.
+
+And then his face changed and grew brighter, and he took my hand in his,
+as I might see, though I could feel nought but a chill pass on it, as it
+were, and spoke again, saying:
+
+"It is well, and shall be, both with you and me. And when you need me I
+shall stand by you once again and make amends."
+
+Then he was gone, and my hand fell from where his had been, and
+straightway I slept again in a dreamless sleep till Wulfhere roused me
+in the full morning light.
+
+And in that light this matter seemed to me but a dream that had come to
+me. Yet even as I should have wished to speak to Alswythe's father, had
+I done, and I would not have had it otherwise. Then the dream in a way
+comforted me, being good to think on, for I would not willingly be at
+enmity with any man, or living or dead. But that it was only a dream
+seemed more sure, because in it Matelgar had said he knew of my saving
+Alswythe. And Wulfhere and I had agreed not to tell him that. Also I had
+little need of Matelgar living, in good truth, and surely less need of
+him now that he was gone past making amends.
+
+Down into the great chamber to break her fast with us came Alswythe,
+bright and fresh, and with her grief put on one side, for our sakes who
+served her. And Turkil talked gaily with both Alswythe and me and
+Wulfhere, and would fain tell all the story of how he sought the
+fire-spitting fiend and was disappointed.
+
+Then I missed the collier, and asked where he was. He had gone to bring
+the good hermit the franklin told me, and would be back shortly.
+
+Now, when we had broken our fast it was yet very early, and the
+villagers must needs hear all the news of the great fight and terror
+beyond the fens, and as they heard, a growl of wrath went round, and the
+men grasped spade and staff and fork fiercely, bidding the franklin lead
+them at once to join the levy.
+
+But Wulfhere told them that they needs must now wait a second raising,
+and that I was even now on my way to Eanulf the Ealdorman to tell him of
+the need. Then the franklin asked that he and his might go with me, but
+I, seeing that for an outlaw to take a following with him was not to be
+thought of, bade them wait for word and sure tidings of the gathering
+place.
+
+While we talked thus the little bell in the church turret began to ring,
+and we knew that the hermit, Leofwine the priest, had come, and would
+say mass for us. Then, perhaps, was such a gathering to pray for relief
+for their land, as had not been since those days, far off now, when the
+British prayed, in that same place, the like prayers for deliverance
+from my own forbears. And as I prayed, looking on the calm face of the
+old man who had bidden me take heart and forgive, I knew that last
+night's dream was true in this, that I had forgiven.
+
+So when the mass was over, and Wulfhere had begged Alswythe to take
+order at once for our going on our journey, I found the old man, and
+could greet him with a light heart. And he, looking on me, could read,
+as he had read the trouble, how that that had passed, and asked me if
+all was well, as my face seemed to say.
+
+I told him how I had fared, and how my outlawry, though still in force,
+was now light on me as the sheriff's messenger--though this I thought
+was but because, flying with Alswythe, I might as well take the message
+as one who could be less easily spared.
+
+Then he said that already he deemed the prophecy that had been given him
+was coming true, and spoke many good and loving words to me to
+strengthen my thoughts of peace withal.
+
+Presently he looked at our horses, now standing ready at the franklin's
+door, and would have me go back with him into his own chamber in the
+little timber-walled church. And there he found writing things in a
+chest, and wrote on a slip of parchment a letter which he bade me give
+to the bishop when I came to him, signing it with his name at the end,
+as he told me, though I could not read it, for one who has been bred a
+hunter and warrior has no need for the arts of the clerk. Indeed, I had
+seen but two men write before, and one was our old priest at Cannington,
+and the other was Matelgar, and I ever wondered that this latter should
+be able to do so, and why of late he was often sending men with letters.
+Yet it seems to me now that surely they had to do with his schemes that
+had so come to nought.
+
+Then the old man blessed me, telling me again that I should surely
+prosper unless that I failed by my own fault, and that it seemed to him
+that there was yet work for me to do that should set me again in my
+place, and maybe higher.
+
+So talking with him, Wulfhere called me, and I must needs say farewell
+to Turkil and his father, and they bade us return, when the time came,
+by this way back to our own place. And Turkil wept, and would fain have
+gone with us, but I promised to see him again, and waved hand to him
+before the broad meadows of the mark were passed, and the woods hid the
+village from us.
+
+Then did Alswythe, in her kindness, fall into a like mistake as that I
+had made with the boy; for she turned to me, smiling, and said that she
+would surely take him into her service at Stert, and see to his training
+hereafter, but then remembered that she had no longer home, and her
+smile faded into tears.
+
+My heart ached for her, knowing I could give her no comfort. After that
+we rode in silence, and quickly, for the track was good.
+
+Now there is little to tell of that ride till we reached the hilltop
+that Wulfhere knew, and where we could look down on the land we were to
+cross, and fancy we could see Glastonbury far away. Here Dudda the
+Collier's task was ended, and I called him to me, pulling out the purse
+the good prioress had given me, that I might give him a gold piece for
+his faithful service.
+
+He stood before me, cap in hand, and I gave him a bright new coin, and
+he took it, turning it over curiously.
+
+"Take it, Dudda," I said, "you have earned it well."
+
+Then he grinned in his way, and answered: "It is no good to me, master.
+I pray you give me silver instead. Like were I to starve if life lay in
+the changing of this among our poor folk."
+
+So I turned over the money to find silver, but there was not enough, and
+so I took out that bag which I had found in the roadway, and had not
+opened since, having almost forgotten it. There was silver and copper
+only in that, and I began to give him his reward.
+
+But still the man hesitated, and seemed anxious to ask me something,
+and, while I counted out the money, he spoke: "Master, the men call you
+Heregar, and that is an outlaw's name."
+
+"Well." said I, fearing no reproach from that just now, and being sure
+that by this time the man knew all about me from our thralls with us.
+"Heregar, the outlawed thane I was, and am, except that the sheriff has
+bid me ride on his business."
+
+"Then, master," said he, "give me no reward but to serve you. No man's
+man am I, either free or unfree, but son of escaped thralls who are dead
+long ago. Therefore am I outlaw also by all rights, and would fain
+follow you. And it seems to me that you will need one to mind your steed."
+
+Now this was a long speech for the collier, who, as I had learnt, could
+hold his tongue: and we were short-handed also, with all these horses.
+Therefore I told him that it should be as he would, for service offered
+freely in this way was like to be faithful, seeing that there had been
+trial on both sides. But I gave him four silver pennies, which he would
+have refused, but that I bade him think of them as fasten pennies, which
+contented him well.
+
+This, too, pleased both Alswythe and Wulfhere, who were glad of the
+addition to our party. So we rode on. But many were the far-off columns
+of smoke we looked back on beyond Parret, before the hills rose behind
+us and hid them.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI. EALHSTAN THE BISHOP.
+
+
+It was in the late afternoon when we rode into Glastonbury town, past
+the palisadings of the outer works, and then among cottages, and here
+and there a timber house of the better sort, till we came to the great
+abbey. It was not so great then as now, nor is it now as it will be, for
+ever have pious hands built so that those who come after may have room
+to add if they will. But it was the greatest building that I had ever
+seen, and, moreover, of stone throughout, which seemed wonderful to me.
+And there, too, Wulfhere showed me the thorn tree which sprang from the
+staff of the blessed Joseph of Arimathea, which flowers on Christmas
+Day, ever.
+
+Then we came to the nunnery where we should leave Alswythe, and I, for
+my part, was sorry that the journey was over, sad though it had been in
+many ways, for when I must leave her I knew not how long it should be,
+if ever, before I saw her again.
+
+And I think the same thought was in her heart, for, when Wulfhere showed
+her the great house, she sighed, looking at me a little, and I could say
+nothing. But she began to thank us two for our care of her, as though we
+could have borne to take less than we had. And her words were so sweet
+and gracious that even the old warrior could not find wherewith to
+answer her, and we both bowed our heads in thanks, and rode, one on each
+side of her, in silence.
+
+Then she must ask Wulfhere what he would do when she was safely
+bestowed. And that was a plain question he could answer well.
+
+"Truly, lady, if you will give me leave, I would see Heregar, our
+master, through whatever comes of his messages."
+
+Then was I very glad, and the more that, though I might not think myself
+such, the old warrior would call me his master, for that told me that he
+had full belief in me.
+
+Yet I could but say: "Friend should you call me, Wulfhere, my good
+counsellor, not master."
+
+And I reached out my hand to him, bowing to Alswythe, whose horse's neck
+I must cross. And Wulfhere took it, and on our two rough hands Alswythe
+laid her white fingers, pressing them, and, looking from one to the
+other, said:
+
+"Two such friends I think no woman ever had, or wiser, or braver. Go on
+together as you will, and yet forget not me here in Glastonbury."
+
+Then we loosed our hands, looking, maybe, a little askance, for our
+Saxon nature will oft be ashamed, if one may call it so, of a good
+impulse acted on, and Wulfhere said that we must think of those things
+hereafter.
+
+When we came to the gate there was a little crowd following us, for word
+had gone round in some way that we were fugitives from Parret side. But
+Wulfhere had bade the men answer no questions till we had seen the
+bishop, lest false reports should go about the place. So the crowd
+melted away soon, and we knocked, asking admission, and showing the
+letter from the prioress of Bridgwater.
+
+Now here there was much state, as it seemed, and we must wait for a
+little, but then the gates were thrown open, and we rode through them
+into the courtyard, which was large and open. Then opened a great door
+on the left, and there was the abbess with many sisters, and one asked
+me for the letter we bore. So I gave it, and, standing there, the abbess
+read it while we waited.
+
+As she read she grew pale, and then flushed again, and at last, after
+twice reading, came down the steps, all her state forgotten, and with
+tears embraced Alswythe, giving thanks for her safety. And then, leaving
+her, she came to me where I sat, unhelmed, and gave me her hand,
+thanking me for all I had done, and, as she said, perhaps for the safety
+of the Bridgwater sisters also.
+
+Then all of a sudden she went back up the steps, where the sisters were
+whispering together, and became cold and stately again, so that I
+wondered if I had offended her in not speaking, which I dared not.
+
+When she was back again in her place, she bade Alswythe and her maidens
+welcome, and added that all her sister prioress asked her she would do.
+Also, that one would come and show us lodging for men and horses, which
+should be at the expense of the nunnery.
+
+So Alswythe must needs part from us coldly, even as she had joined us at
+Bridgwater, as a noble lady from her attendants, giving us her hand to
+kiss only. But I went back to my horse well content, knowing that her
+love and thoughts went out to me.
+
+She went through the great door, but it closed not so fast but that I
+might see the abbess put her arm around her very tenderly, her state
+forgotten again, and I knew that she was in good hands.
+
+Now when the horses were stabled, and our men knew where they should
+bide in the strangers' lodgings--set apart for the trains of guests to
+the nunnery, which were very spacious--Wulfhere and I must needs find
+the way to get audience of the bishop. As far as the doors of the abbey
+where he abode was easy enough, but there, waiting for alms and broken
+meats, were crowds of beggars, sitting and lying about in the sun, with
+their eyes ever on the latch to be first when it was lifted for the
+daily dole. And again, round the gate were many men of all sorts,
+suitors, as we deemed for some favour at the hands of bishop or abbot--
+for the Abbot of Glastonbury was nigh as powerful as Ealhstan himself,
+in his own town at least.
+
+When we came among these we were told that we must bide our time, for
+audience was not given but at stated hours. And one man, grumbling, said
+that that was not Ealhstan's way in his own place at Sherborne, for
+there the doors were open ever.
+
+But I knew that my business might not wait, and so, after a little of
+this talk, went up to the gate and thundered thereon in such sort that
+the wicket opened, and the porter's face looked through it angrily
+enough, and he would have bidden us begone, for war and travel had
+stained us both, so that doubtless we were in no better case, as to
+looks, than the crowd that pressed after us--very quietly, indeed--
+to hear the parley.
+
+One difference in our looks there was, however, which made the porter
+silent--we wore mail and swords, and at that he seemed to stare in
+wonder.
+
+Then I held up the ring and said, "Messages from Osric the Sheriff."
+
+Whereupon the wicket closed suddenly, and there was a sound of
+unbarring, and the door opened and we were let in, the rest, who must
+wait, grumbling loudly at the preference shown to us, while the beggars,
+who had roused at the sound of the hinges creaking, went back whining in
+their disappointment.
+
+Then one came and bade us follow him, and we were led into the abbey
+hall and there waited for a little. There were a few monks about,
+passing and repassing, but they paid no attention to us, and we, too,
+were silent in that quiet place. Only a great fire crackled at one end
+of the hall, else there would have been no noise at all. It was, I
+thought, a strangely peaceful place into which to bring news of war and
+tumult.
+
+Then I thought of Ealhstan the Bishop, as he had seemed to me when he
+judged me, and that seemed years ago, nor could I think of myself as the
+same who had stood a prisoner before him. So I wondered if I should seem
+the same to him.
+
+Now it is strange that of Eanulf, the mighty ealdorman who had
+pronounced my doom, I thought little at all, but as of one who was by
+the bishop. All that day's doings seemed to have been as a dream,
+wherein I and Wulfhere had living part with this bishop, while the rest,
+Eanulf and Matelgar and the others, were but phantoms standing by.
+
+Maybe this is not so wonderful, for the doom was the doom of the Moot,
+and spoken by Eanulf as its mouthpiece, and that passed on my body only.
+And Matelgar had found a new place in my thoughts, but Wulfhere was my
+friend, and the bishop had spoken to my heart, so that his words and
+looks abode there.
+
+Then the servant cut short my thoughts, and led us to the bishop,
+bidding me unhelm first.
+
+He sat in a wide chamber, with another most venerable-looking man at the
+same table. And all the walls were covered with books, and on the table,
+too, lay one or two great ones, open, and bright with gold and crimson
+borderings, and great litters on the pages. But those things I saw
+presently, only the bishop first of all, sitting quietly and very
+upright in his great chair, dressed in a long purple robe, and with a
+golden cross hanging on his breast.
+
+And for a moment as I looked at him, I remembered the day of the Moot,
+and my heart rose up, and I was ready to hide my face for minding the
+shame thereof.
+
+But he looked at me curiously, and then all of a sudden smiled very
+kindly and said:
+
+"Heregar, my son, are you the messenger?"
+
+And I knelt before him on one knee, and held out the ring for him to
+take, and he did so, laying it on the table before him--for my errand
+was in hand yet.
+
+"Then," he said, "things are none so ill with you, my son," and he
+smiled gravely; "but do your errand first, and afterwards we will speak
+of that."
+
+So I rose up, and standing before him, told him plainly all that had
+befallen, though there was no need for me to say aught of myself in the
+matter, except that, flying with the lady, Osric had chosen me to bear
+the message of defeat and danger.
+
+And the while I spoke the bishop's face grew very grave, but he said
+nothing till I ended by saying that Wulfhere could tell him of the fight.
+
+Then he bade Wulfhere speak, being anxious to know the worst, as it
+seemed to me. But the old man with him was weeping, and his hands shook
+sorely.
+
+Now into what Wulfhere told, my name seemed to come often, for he began
+with the first landing at Watchet, and my bearing the war arrow, and so
+forward to the firing of the huts at Stert, to the rallying on
+Cannington Hill, and our flight, and how Osric sent for me.
+
+Then said the bishop, "Is that the worst?"
+
+And Wulfhere was fain to answer that he feared not, telling of the smoke
+clouds we had seen, and what he judged therefrom.
+
+"Aye," said the bishop, as it were to himself and looking before him as
+one who sees that which he is told of, "we saw the like after
+Charnmouth, and let them have their way. Now must we wait, trembling,
+for Osric's next messenger."
+
+But as for me, though the old man was sorely terrified, as one might
+see, I thought there was little trembling on the bishop's part, though
+he spoke of it. Rather did he seem to speak in scorn of such as would so
+wait.
+
+"Tell me now," he went on presently, "how the men rallied, and with what
+spirit, on the hill where Heregar stayed them?"
+
+"Well and bravely," answered Wulfhere, "so that the Danes drew back,
+forming up hastily lest there should be an attack on them; but none was
+made."
+
+Then the bishop's eyes flashed, and I thought to myself that I would he
+had been there. Surely he would have swept the Danes back to their
+ships, and I think that was in Wulfhere's mind also, for he said:
+
+"We want a leader who can see these things. No blame to Osric therein,
+for it was his first fight."
+
+Then the bishop laughed softly in a strange way, though his eyes still
+flashed, and he seemed to put the matter by.
+
+"Truly," said he, "with you, Wulfhere, to advise, and myself to ask
+questions, and Heregar to prevent our running away, I think we might do
+great things. Well, there is Eanulf, who fought at Charnmouth."
+
+So saying he rose up, and clapped his hands loudly. The old man had
+fallen to telling his beads, and paid no attention to him or us any
+longer, doubtless dreaming of the burning of his abbey over his head,
+unless some stronger help was at hand than that of the three men before
+him.
+
+A lay brother came in to answer the bishop's summons.
+
+"Take these thanes to the refectory," he said, "and care for them with
+all honour. In two hours I will speak with them again, or sooner, if
+Osric's messenger comes."
+
+"I am no thane," said Wulfhere, not willing to be mistaken.
+
+"I am Bishop of Sherborne," said he, smiling in an absent way, and
+waving his hand for us to go.
+
+So we went, and thereafter were splendidly treated as most honoured
+guests, even to the replacing of the broad hat which Wulfhere had gotten
+from the franklin by a plain steel helm, with other changes of garment,
+for which we were most glad.
+
+Now as we bathed and changed, I found that letter which Leofwine the
+hermit priest had given me, and I prayed the brother to give it to the
+bishop at some proper moment, and he took it away with him. I had
+forgotten it in the greater business.
+
+While we ate and drank, and talked of how to reach Eanulf the Ealdorman,
+the brother came back and brought us a message, saying:
+
+"The bishop bids you rest here in peace. He has sent messengers to
+Eanulf, bidding him come here in all haste to speak with him and you."
+
+So I asked where he was, and the brother said that he lay at Wells,
+which pleased Wulfhere, who said that he would be here shortly, and that
+we were in luck, seeing that he wanted another good night's rest; and
+indeed so did I, sorely, though that I might yet stay near Alswythe was
+better still.
+
+Before the two hours the bishop had set, there was a clamour in the
+great yard, and we thought the messenger from Osric had surely come. And
+so it was, for almost directly the bishop sent for us, and we were taken
+back to the same chamber. But he was alone now, and motioned us to seats
+beside him to one side.
+
+Then they brought in a thane whom I did not know, and he said he was a
+messenger from Osric, laying a letter on the table at the same time. I
+saw that his armour was battle stained, and that he looked sorely downcast.
+
+Not so the bishop as he read, for that which was written he had already
+expected, and he never changed his set look. Once he read the letter
+through, and then again aloud for us to hear. Thus it ran after fit
+greeting:
+
+"Now what befell in the first fight you know or shall know shortly from
+our trusty messenger Heregar, by whom the flight was stayed from that
+field, on the Hill of Cannington. And this was well done. So, seeing
+that the Danes had drawn off, I myself, foolishly deeming the matter at
+an end, left three hundred men on that hill to watch the Danes back to
+their ships, and returned to the town, there to muster again the men who
+were sound, and, if it were possible, to lead them on the Danes as they
+went on board again to depart. For the men, save those of Bridgwater,
+would not bide on the hill, but came back, saving the Danes would surely
+depart. And, indeed, I also thought so; but wrongly. For even as I
+talked with Heregar of his own affairs, news came of a fresh attack,
+whereon I sent him to you, fearing the worst, for the men on the hill
+were few, and those in the town seeming of little spirit.
+
+"Now when I came three parts of the way to Cannington, our men there
+were sped and driven back on us. Whereupon I could no longer hold
+together any force, and whither the men are scattered I know not.
+Scarcely could I save the holy women and the monks, for even as they
+fled under guard into the Quantock woods, and so to go beyond the hills,
+the houses of Bridgwater next the Danes were burning.
+
+"Now am I with two hundred men on Brent, and wait either for the Danes
+to depart, or for orders from yourself or the Ealdorman Eanulf, to whom
+I pray you let this letter be sent in haste after that you have read it."
+
+So it ended with salutations, and when he had read it, the bishop folded
+it slowly and looked at the thane, who shrugged his broad shoulders and
+said:
+
+"True words, Lord Bishop, and all told."
+
+"It is what I expected," said Ealhstan, "these two thanes told me it was
+like to be thus."
+
+"Surely," answered the thane. "What else?"
+
+The bishop looked at him and asked him his name.
+
+"Wislac, the Thane of Gatehampton by the Thames, am I," he said. "A
+stranger here, having come on my own affairs to Bridgwater, and so
+joining in the fight. Also, Osric's thanes having trouble enough on
+hand, I rode with this letter."
+
+"Thanks therefor," said the bishop. "I see that you fought also in a
+place where blows were thick."
+
+"Aye, in the first fight," said Wislac. "As for the second, being with
+Osric, I never saw that."
+
+"Did you stay on the hill where men rallied?"
+
+"That did I, as any man would when the saints came to stay us. Otherwise
+I had surely halted at Bridgwater, or this side thereof," answered the
+strange thane, with a smile that was bitter enough.
+
+Now the bishop had not heard that tale of the saint on a white horse;
+but he was quick enough, and glanced aside at me. Whereupon Wislac the
+Thane looked also, and straightway his mouth opened, and he stared at
+me. Then, being nowise afraid of the bishop, or, as it seemed, of
+saints, he said aloud, seemingly to himself:
+
+"Never saw I bishop before. Still, I knew that they were blessed with
+visions; but that live saints should sit below their seat, I dreamt
+not!" and so he went on staring at me.
+
+So the bishop, for all his trouble, could but smile, and asked him if he
+saw a vision.
+
+"Surely," he said, "this is the saint who stayed us on yonder hill."
+
+"Nay, that is Heregar the Thane, messenger of Osric."
+
+"Then," said Wislac, "let me tell you, Heregar the Thane, that one of
+the saints, and I think a valiant one, is mightily like you. Whereby you
+are the more fortunate."
+
+Now for all the mistake I could not find a word to say, and was fain to
+thank him for the good word on my looks. Yet he went on looking at me
+now and then in a puzzled sort of way. And the bishop seemed to enjoy
+his wonderment, but was in no mind to enlighten him.
+
+Presently the bishop bade Wislac sit down, and then he took up Osric's
+ring that I had given him, and also another which lay beside it on the
+table--silver also, with some device on it, like that I had worn.
+
+"See, thanes," he said, "have you three a mind to stay with me for a
+while and be my council in this matter? For I am here without a fighting
+man of my own to speak with."
+
+Now this was what I would most wish, and I said so, eagerly and with
+thanks.
+
+And Wislac said that he was surely in good company, and having nought to
+call him home would gladly stay also.
+
+Then said the bishop, "Stranger you are, friend Wislac, and therefore
+wear this ring of Osric's, that men may pay heed to you as his friend
+and mine; and do you, Heregar, wear this of mine that men may know you
+for bishop's man, and so respect your word."
+
+So was I put under the bishop's protection, and he would answer for my
+presence in Wessex to all and any. That was good, and I felt a free man
+again in truth, for here was no errand that would end, as Osric's was
+ended, when I had seen Eanulf.
+
+Now Wulfhere had not spoken, and the bishop asked him if he too would
+not stay.
+
+"Ay, lord," answered Wulfhere, "gladly; but you spoke of thanes only."
+
+"When the Bishop of Sherborne names one as a thane," said Ealhstan,
+smiling, "men are apt to hold him as such. But only to the worthy are
+such words spoken. Now, friend Wulfhere, I have heard of you at
+Charnmouth fight, and also there is more in Osric's letter than I have
+read to you. So if you will be but a bishop's landless thane, surely you
+shall be one"
+
+Then Wulfhere grew red with pleasure, and rising up, did obeisance to
+the bishop for the honour, and the bishop called us two others to
+witness that the same was given.
+
+"Now is my council set," he said, "I to ask questions, and you to advise."
+
+So for a long two hours we sat and told him all we knew of those Danes,
+I of the ships, and Wulfhere and Wislac of numbers, and Wulfhere of
+their ways in raiding a country, for this he had seen before, in Dorset,
+and also in Ireland, as he told us, in years gone by.
+
+That night we were treated as most honoured guests of the bishop's own
+following, and early in the morning the bishop sent for me, before mass.
+Once again I found him alone in that room of his, and all he said to me
+I cannot write down. But I found that Leofwine the hermit had told him
+of how I had taken counsel of him and abided by it, even as Ealhstan
+himself had bidden me; and, moreover, that Osric had written in his
+letter of what I had been able to do against the Danes, and of
+Matelgar's last words concerning me. And for that remembrance of me,
+according to his promise, even when writing of far greater matters, I am
+ever grateful to the good sheriff.
+
+So, because of these things known, Ealhstan spoke to me as a most loving
+father, praising me where it seemed that praise was due, and reproving
+me for the many things of deed and thought that were evil. And I told
+him freely and fully all that had passed from the time I left the hill
+of Brent till when I had seen the signals of the vikings from above
+Watchet, and bore the war arrow to Matelgar. The rest he knew in a way;
+but I opened all my heart to him, he drawing all from me most gently,
+till at last I came to my dream of Matelgar, and my wish that for me he
+might rest in peace.
+
+"It is not all forgiveness, Heregar, my son," he said presently. "There
+is love for Alsywthe, and pride in yourself, and thought of Matelgar's
+failure, which have at least brought you to a beginning of it. But true
+forgiveness comes slowly, and many a long day shall it be before that
+has truly come."
+
+And I knew that maybe he was right, and asked his help; whereupon that
+was freely given, and in such sort that all my life long I must mind the
+words he said, and love him in the memory.
+
+When all that was said he would have me hear mass with him, as though I
+needed urging. And there, too, were Wulfhere and Wislac; and that mass
+in the great abbey was the most wonderful I ever heard.
+
+After that we three went out into the town, and Wislac and I marvelled
+at everything. Then we went to the nunnery gates and asked how our
+charges fared, and then saw to our steeds. There was the collier,
+working as a groom with the other men, and he told me that he was
+learning his new trade fast, but would fain walk ever, rather than ride,
+having fallen many times from the abbess' mule, which he had bestridden
+in anxiety to learn. Whether the mule was the better for this lesson I
+doubt.
+
+When we went back to the abbey Eanulf had come, and with him many
+thanes. And I feared to meet these somewhat, for they might have been
+among the Moot, and would know me. Yet Ealhstan had foreseen this, and
+one was posted at the door to meet me, bidding me aside privately, since
+the bishop needed me.
+
+Wulfhere and Wislac went into the hall and left me, therefore, and I was
+taken to a chamber where were six or seven lay brethren, who asked me
+many things about the fight, and specially at last about the saint who
+had appeared. And that was likely to be a troublesome question for me,
+as I could not claim to have been the one so mistaken; but another
+struck in, saying that there were many strange portents about, for that
+a fiend had appeared bodily from the marsh and had devoured a child, in
+Sedgemoor. Now it seems that fiends are rarer than saints among these
+holy men, and they forgot the first wonder and ran on about the second,
+not thinking that I could have told them of that also. And at last one
+fetched a great book, as I thought in some secrecy, and made thereout
+nothing more nor less than parts of the song of Beowulf itself, and all
+about Grendel, which pleased us all well, and so we were quiet enough,
+listening.
+
+And it happened that while we were all intent on this reading (and I
+never heard one read as brother Guthlac read to us) the sub-prior came
+in to call me, and pulling back the hangings of the doorway, stood
+listening, where I could see him.
+
+First of all he looked pleased to find his people so employed. Then when
+the crash of the fighting verses came to his ears he started a little,
+and looked round. The good brothers were like to forget their frocks,
+for their fists were clenched and their eyes sparkled, and their teeth
+were set, and verily I believe each man of them thought himself one of
+Beowulf's comrades, if not the hero himself.
+
+Whereupon the sub-prior and I were presently grinning at one another.
+
+"Ho!" said he, all of a sudden. "Now were I Swithun, where would you
+heathens spend tonight? Surely in the cells!"
+
+Then for a moment they thought Grendel had indeed come, such power has
+verse like this in the mouth of a good reader, and they started up, one
+and all.
+
+And the reader saw who it was, and that there was no hiding the book
+from him, so they stood agape and terrified, for by this time the good
+man had managed to look mighty stern.
+
+"Good Father," said I, seeing that someone must needs speak, "I am but a
+fighting man, and the brothers were considering my weakness."
+
+"H'm," said the sub-prior, seeming in great wrath. "Is there no fighting
+to be read from Holy Writ that you must take these pagan vanities from
+where you ought not? Go to! Yet, by reason of your care for the bishop's
+thane, your penance shall be light now and not heavy hereafter. Brother
+Guthlac shall read aloud in refectory today the story of David and
+Goliath, and you brother," pointing to one, "that of Ahab at Ramoth, and
+you, of Joshua at Jericho," and so he went on till each had a chapter of
+war assigned him, and I thought it an easy penance.
+
+"But," he added, "and until all these are read, your meals shall be
+untasted before you."
+
+Then the brothers looked at one another, for it was certain that all
+this reading would last till the meal must be left for vespers.
+
+Then the sub-prior bade the reader take back the book and go to his own
+cell, and beckoning me, we passed out and left the brothers in much
+dismay, not knowing what should befall them from the abbot when he heard.
+
+So I ventured to tell the sub-prior how this came about, and he smiled,
+saying that he should not tell Tatwine the Abbot, for the brothers were
+seldom in much fault, and that maybe it was laudable to search even
+pagan books for the manners of fiends, seeing that forewarned was
+forearmed.
+
+Then he said that surely he wished (but this I need tell none else) that
+he had been there in my place to hear Guthlac read it. Also that he was
+minded to make the old rhyme more Christian-like, if he could, writing
+parts of it afresh. And this he has done since, so that any man may read
+it; but it is not so good as the old one [ix].
+
+Now we came to the bishop's chamber, and he went in, calling me after
+him in a minute or so. I could hear Ealhstan's voice and that of another
+as I waited outside.
+
+The other was Eanulf the Ealdorman, and as I entered he rose up and
+faced me.
+
+"So, Heregar," he said, "you are bishop's man now, and out of my power.
+I am glad of it," and so saying he reached me out his hand and wrung
+mine, and looked very friendly as he did so.
+
+"I have heard of your doings," he said, "and thank you for them. And I
+will see this matter of yours looked into, for I think, as the bishop
+believes, that there has been a plot against you for plain reasons
+enough. However, that must stand over as yet. But come with me to the
+hall and I will right you with the thanes there."
+
+At that I thanked him, knowing that things were going right with me, and
+the bishop smiled, as well pleased, but said nothing, as Eanulf took me
+by the arm, and we went together to the great hall, where the thanes,
+some twenty of them, were talking together. At once I saw several whose
+faces had burnt themselves, as it were, into my mind at the Moot; but
+none of Matelgar's friends among them.
+
+They were quiet when their leader went in, and he wasted no time, but
+spoke in his own direct way.
+
+"See here, thanes; here is Heregar, whom we outlawed but the other day.
+Take my word and Ealhstan's and Osric's for it that there was a mistake.
+We know now that there is no truer man, for he has proved it, as some of
+you know-he being the man who lit the huts at Stert in face of the
+Danes, and being likewise the Saint of Cannington--"
+
+"Aye, it is so," said several voices, and others laughed. Then, like
+honest Saxons as they were, they came crowding and laughing to shake
+hands with an outlawed saint, as one said; so that I was overdone almost
+with their kindness, and knew not what to say or do.
+
+But Eanulf pushed me forward among them, saying that I, being bishop's
+man, was no more concern of his, outlaw or no outlaw, and that saints
+were beyond him. So he too laughed, and went back to the bishop; and I
+found Wulfhere and Wislac, and soon I was one of my own sort again, and
+the bad past seemed very far away.
+
+But Wislac looked at me and said: "You have spoilt a fine tale I had to
+take home with me; but maybe I need not tell the ending. Howbeit, I
+always did hold that there was none so much difference between a
+fighting saint and one of ourselves."
+
+And that seemed to satisfy him.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII. THE GREAT LEVY.
+
+
+It was not long before Eanulf made up his mind to action, and he was
+closeted with the bishop all that morning. Then, after the midday meal,
+he called a council of all who were there, and we sat in the great hall
+to hear his plans.
+
+Ealhstan came with him, and these two sat at the upper end of the hall,
+and we on the benches round the walls, for the long tables had been
+cleared.
+
+When all was ready, Eanulf stood up and told the thanes, for some were
+men who had had no part in Osric's levy, all about the fighting, and how
+it had ended. And having done that, he asked for the advice of such as
+would have aught to say.
+
+Very soon an old thane rose up and said that he thought all would be
+well if forces were so posted as to prevent the Danes coming beyond the
+land they then held.
+
+And several growled assent to that; and one said that Danes bided in one
+place no long time, but would take ship again and go elsewhere.
+
+That, too, seemed to please most, and I saw Eanulf bite his lip, for he
+was a man who loved action. And Wulfhere, too, shifted in his seat, as
+if impatient.
+
+Then they went back to the first proposal, and began to name places
+where men might be posted to keep the Danes in Parret valley at least,
+till they went away.
+
+Then at last Wulfhere grew angry, and rose up, looking very red.
+
+"And what think you will Parret valley be like when they have done their
+will therein? Does no man remember the going back to his place when
+these strangers had bided in it for a while, after they beat us in Dorset?"
+
+There were two thanes who had lands in that part, and they flushed, so
+that one might easily know they remembered; but they said naught.
+
+Then Eanulf spake, very plainly:
+
+"I am for raising the levy of Somerset again, and stronger, and driving
+them out; but I cannot do it without your help."
+
+Then there was silence, and the thanes looked at one another for so long
+that I waxed impatient, and being headstrong, maybe, got up and spoke:
+
+"Landless I am, and maybe not to be hearkened to, but nevertheless I
+will say what it seems to me that a man should say. Into this land of
+peace these men from over seas have come wantonly, slaying our friends,
+burning our houses, driving our cattle, making such as escape them take
+to the woods like hunted wild beasts. Where is Edred the Thane? Where is
+Matelgar? Where twenty others you called friends? Dead by Combwich, and
+none to bury them. The Danes have their arms, the wolves their bodies.
+Is no vengeance to be taken for this? Or shall the Danes sail away
+laughing, saying that the hearts of the Saxons are as water?"
+
+Then there rose an angry growl at that, and I was glad to hear it. So
+was Eanulf, as it seemed. And Wulfhere got up and stood beside me and
+spoke.
+
+"This is good talk, and now I will add a word. Why came back the Danes
+here? Because after we were beaten before, we let them do their worst,
+and hindered them not; therefore come they back even now--aye, and if
+we drive them not from us, hither will they come yet again, till we may
+not call the land our own from year to year. I say with the ealdorman,
+let us up and drive them out, showing them what Saxons are made of.
+What? Are we done fighting after they have scattered one hastily
+gathered levy? Shame there is none to us in being so beaten once, but I
+hold it shame to let them so easily have the mastery."
+
+Then there was a murmur, but not all of assent; though I could see that
+many would side with us. Whereon Wislac rose up slowly, and looking
+round, said:
+
+"I am a stranger, but having been present at the beating the other day,
+yonder, am minded to see if I may yet go home on the winning side. And
+it would be shame, even as these two thanes have said, not to give a
+guest a chance to have his pleasure. I pray you, thanes, pluck up
+spirit, and follow the ealdorman."
+
+Now, though Wislac's words seemed idle at the beginning, there was that
+in his last words which brought several of the younger thanes to their
+feet, looking angrily at him, and one asked if he meant to call that
+assembly "nidring".
+
+"Not I," said Wislac, smiling peacefully, "seeing that you have done
+naught to deserve that foul name; but being a beaten man, as I said, I
+need a chance to prove that I am not 'nidring' myself, so please you."
+
+And they could not take offence at his tone, yet they saw well what he
+meant; and this in the end touched them very closely, for they were in
+the same case as he, but with more right, being of Somerset, to wipe out
+their defeat. But maybe there would have been a quarrel if Eanulf had
+not spoken.
+
+"Peace, thanes," he said. "Heregar is right, and we must avenge our
+dead. Wulfhere is right, and for the land's sake we must give these
+Danes a lesson to bide at home. Wislac is right, and this defeat must be
+wiped out. Now say if you will help me to raise the levy afresh?"
+
+"Aye, we will," said the thanes, but there was not that heartiness in
+their tones that one might have looked for.
+
+In truth, though, it was no want of courage, but the thought of the
+easier plan of waiting, that held them back.
+
+Then Ealhstan the Bishop rose up and faced us all, with his eyes
+shining, and his right hand gripping his crosier so tightly that his
+knuckles shone white.
+
+"What, my sons, shall it be said of you, as it is said of us Dorset
+folk, that you let the Danes bide in your land and work their worst on
+you and yours? I tell you that since we went back and saw, as we still
+see, their track over our homes, our folk burn to take revenge on them;
+and I, being what I am, think no wrong of counselling revenge on heathen
+folk. Listen, for ye are men."
+
+And then he told us in burning words such a tale of what must be were
+these heathen to have their way, such things that he himself had seen
+and known after Charnmouth fight, that we would fain at last be up and
+drive them away without waiting for the levy.
+
+And at last he said:
+
+"Eanulf, this will I do. I will gather the Dorset levy and lead them to
+your help, and so will we make short work of these heathen."
+
+Then all the thanes shouted that they would not be behind in the matter;
+and so their cool Saxon blood was fired to that white rage which is
+quenched but in victory or death.
+
+Now after that there was talk of nothing but of making the levy as soon
+as might be, and Eanulf, thanking everyone, and most of all the bishop,
+straightway gave his orders; and before that night the war arrow was
+speeding through all Somerset and Dorset likewise, and word was sent to
+Osric and the other sheriffs that the gathering place named was at the
+hill of Brent.
+
+Now of those days that followed there is little to say. The other thanes
+left, each to gather his own men, vowing vengeance on the Danes; but
+before they went there was hardly one who did not seek out Wulfhere,
+Wislac, and myself, and in some way or another tell us that we had
+spoken right. One fiery young thane, indeed, was minded to fight Wislac,
+but the Mercian turned the quarrel very skilfully, and in the end agreed
+with the thane that the matter should be settled by the number of Danes
+each should slay, "which," said Wislac, "will be as good sport and more
+profitable than pounding one another, and quite as good proof that
+neither of us may be held nidring."
+
+So that ended very well.
+
+But every day came in reports, brought by fugitives, of the Danes and
+their doings, which made our blood boil. At last came one who brought a
+message for myself, could I be found. It was from the aunt of Alswythe,
+the Prioress of Bridgwater, telling of her safety and that of her nuns,
+at Taunton. And I begged the bishop to let me tell this good news to
+Alswythe, and so gained speech with her once more. Yet would the abbess
+be present, reading the while; but I might tell my love all that had
+befallen me, and she rejoiced, bidding me go fight and win myself renown
+in the good cause of my own country.
+
+And when I left her I felt that I must indeed be strong for the sake of
+her, and by reason of her words, which would be in my mind ever.
+
+Now one day when I went to see the horses and ride out with Wulfhere and
+Wislac, the collier came and hung about, seeming to wish to ask
+somewhat. And when I noticed this and bade him speak, he prayed me that
+I would give him arms, and let him follow me to the coming fighting.
+Arms, save those I wore, I had none, but I promised him such as I could
+buy him with what remained of the money I had found, which might be
+enough, seeing that we lived at free quarters with the bishop, and had
+little expense. As for the other money, I left that with the abbess
+after I had seen Alswythe, for it was less mine than hers.
+
+But I asked Dudda if he were able to use a sword. Whereupon he grinned,
+and said that Brother Guthlac tended the abbot's mule, and had taught
+him much when he came to the stables daily. He also showed me a bruised
+arm and broken head in token of hard play with the ash plant between
+them.
+
+"Here is the said Guthlac," said Wulfhere; and there was the reader of
+Beowulf coming, with frock and sleeves tucked up, from out the stables.
+So I called him, and asked him to try a bout with the collier, telling
+him why.
+
+At first he denied all knowledge of carnal warfare, but I reminded him
+of his reading of Beowulf, saying that, if he knew naught of fighting,
+the verses would have had none of that fire in them. So, in the end,
+they went to it, and I saw that Guthlac was well used to sword play, and
+was satisfied also with his pupil.
+
+Then I asked Guthlac whence he got his skill in arms, and why he was
+shut up thus inside four walls.
+
+"Laziness, Thane," he answered, telling me nothing of the first matter
+at all. Nor would he. But I found afterwards that he had been lamed
+once, and tended by the monks, and so had bided in the abbey, liking the
+life, though he had been a stout housecarle to some thane or other.
+
+Then Wislac must ask him if there were any more of his sort in the
+abbey, and seeing that we meant no harm, and looking on me as an ally in
+that matter of the reading, he said there were five more, "whom Heregar
+the Thane knew, if he would remember, reading certain Scriptures at
+supper time."
+
+And I found that these six kindred spirits had managed to get themselves
+told off to amuse me while I waited that day, so that they might hear of
+the fighting.
+
+So we laughed and rode out, and I thought no more of Guthlac and his
+brethren till the time came when I remembered them gladly.
+
+All day long during that week came pouring in the Dorset levies in
+answer to the bishop's summons. Hard and wiry men they were, and as I
+could well see, a very much harder set than Osric's first levy, for
+these were veterans. Ealhstan's word had gone out that all men who would
+wipe out the defeat of Charnmouth should gather to him, and these were
+the men who had fought there, and only longed to try their strength
+again against their conquerors of that disastrous day.
+
+Day by day, also, would Ealhstan go out into the marketplace, and there
+speak burning words to them, bidding them remember the days gone by, and
+the valour of their fathers who won the land for them, and to have ever
+in mind that this war was not of Christian against Christian, but
+against heathen men who were profaning the houses of God wherever they
+came.
+
+Many more things did he say, ever finding something fresh wherewith to
+stir their courage, but ever, also, did he bid them remember how the
+Danes had won by discipline more than courage, and to pay heed to that
+as their leaders bade them.
+
+Also, day by day, he bade the thanes who had seen fighting, train their
+men as well as they might, and they worked well at that. Moreover, he
+could teach them much, reading to us at times from a great Latin book of
+the wars of Caesar such things as seemed like to be useful, putting it
+into good Saxon as he went on.
+
+Then, as the week drew to an end, there began to be questions as to who
+should be leader of the Dorset men. And many said that Osric should be
+the man, for he was an Ealdorman of Dorset. But when the bishop sent to
+Brent for him, and asked him to lead his men, Osric doubted; and what he
+said to the other thanes, and to us three, made them send us to the
+bishop with somewhat to ask.
+
+So we, finding him ever ready to hear what was wanted, put the question
+to him plainly as they had bidden us. And that was, that he himself
+should lead the levy of Dorset.
+
+Now Tatwine, the old abbot, sat with him and heard this, and straightway
+he began to tremble, and cry out that such work was unfit for a bishop.
+
+So the bishop said to me, very quietly, but with a look in his eyes
+which seemed to show that this was what he longed for:
+
+"Heregar, my son, go and tell the thanes what the abbot says, and ask if
+they will go without me."
+
+All the thanes were waiting to hear the bishop's answer to our request,
+and I told them this, and they knew at once what answer to give, for
+they said, or Osric said for them, while all applauded:
+
+"We will not go against these heathens unless the bishop leads us. Else
+must Somerset fight her own battles."
+
+So with that word I went back to the bishop, and told him.
+
+"So, Tatwine, my brother, you see how it is. Needs must that I go, else
+were it shame to us that heathen men should have freedom in a Christian
+land."
+
+But Tatwine groaned, and, maybe knowing the bishop well, said no more.
+
+Then Ealhstan bade him remember all the saints who had warred against
+the heathen, and were held blameless--nay, rather, the holier.
+
+"Therefore," said he, "I am in good company, and will surely go."
+
+Whereupon Tatwine rose up and went out, saying that he should go to the
+abbey and seek protection for the bishop, and men say he bided there
+almost night and day, praying until all was past. Certainly I saw him no
+more in his accustomed places, save at mass.
+
+When he had gone the bishop smiled a little, looking after him, and then
+spoke to us.
+
+"I may tell my council that this is what I should love. Nevertheless, it
+will not be I who lead, but you three. For the counsel must be
+Wulfhere's, and the coolness Wislac's, and the rest Heregar's, who will
+by no means bide that we run away. Now, I think that you three will make
+a good leader of me."
+
+On that we thanked him for his words, and we followed him out to the
+hall. And there the thanes shouted and cheered as he came, and still
+more when he prayed them to follow him to victory or a warrior's death.
+And that they swore to do, not loudly, but in such sort that none could
+mistake that they would surely do so.
+
+Then he bade them muster their men by the first light in the morning,
+and so he would lead them first of all to Brent, to join the ealdorman.
+And Osric should be his second in command.
+
+That pleased all, and soon we were left alone with him again, but we
+could hear outside the cheering of men now and then, as some thane
+gathered his following and told them the name of their leader.
+
+So we three went out presently and saw to our horses, and then I was
+wondering about arms for Dudda, for I had left the matter too long, and
+it seemed there were few weapons remaining for sale in the town by
+reason of men of the levy buying or borrowing what they lacked in
+equipment. And the poor fellow hung about sadly, thinking he should find
+none in the end, and swearing he would follow me even had he naught but
+a quarterstaff in his hand.
+
+But when we went back to the abbey, the bishop sent for us, and we were
+taken into a room we had not seen before, and there on the table were
+laid out three suits of mail, helmets, and arms.
+
+"Now," said Ealhstan, as he saw our eyes go, as a man's eyes will,
+straight to these things, "if you thanes are not too proud to accept
+such as I can give, let me arm you, and tell you where you shall bear
+these arms."
+
+And that was what we longed for, for as yet we had no post in the levy,
+and we told him as much.
+
+"That is well," he answered. "See, Wislac, here is bright steel armour
+and helm and shield for you. Sword also, if you need it, for maybe you
+will scarce part from your own tried weapon?"
+
+But Wislac smiled at that, and took hold of his sword hilt, loosening
+the strings which bound it to the sheath. There were but eight inches of
+blade left, and these were sorely notched.
+
+"Aha!" quoth the bishop, "now know I why Wislac thought well to stop
+fighting the other day," which pleased the Mercian well enough.
+
+"Then, Wulfhere," went on Ealhstan, "here is this black armour and helm
+and shield for you, and sword or axe as you will."
+
+And Wulfhere thanked him, taking the axe, as his own sword was good.
+
+"Now, Heregar, my son, this is yours," said the bishop, looking kindly
+at me.
+
+And as I looked I thought I had never seen more beautiful arms. No
+better were they than the other two suits, for all three were of good
+Sussex ring mail as to the byrnies, [x] while the boar-crested helms
+were of hammered steel.
+
+But mine was silver white, with gold collar and gold circles round the
+arms. Gold, too, was the boar-crest of the helm, and gold the circle
+round the head, and to me it seemed as I looked that this was too good.
+And Ealhstan knew my thoughts and answered them.
+
+"Black for the man of dark counsel, bright steel for the warrior, and
+silver-bright armour for the man who brings back hope when all seems lost."
+
+"That is good," said Wislac. "Now read us the meaning of the gold
+thereon also," for he seemed to see that the bishop had some meaning in
+that, whereat the bishop smiled.
+
+"Gold for trust," he said, "and for the man who shall be honoured."
+
+"That is well also," said Wulfhere, and Wislac nodded gravely.
+
+"Now," said the bishop, "I will put Heregar out of my council for a
+minute, so that he may not speak nor hear. Tell me, Thanes both, if it
+will be well to give Heregar the place whereto men shall rally in need?"
+
+"Aye, surely," they said. "We know he can fill that place."
+
+"Then shall he bear my standard," said the bishop, "and none will
+gainsay it," and so he turned to me.
+
+"Now, Heregar, may you hear this decision. Standard bearer to me shall
+you be, and I know you will bear it well and bravely. And these two,
+your friends and mine, shall stand to right and left of you, and six
+stout carles may you choose from the levy to stand before and behind
+you. And whom you choose I will arm alike, that all may know them."
+
+Now knew I not what to say or do, but I knelt before the bishop and
+kissed his hand, and so he laid it on my head and blessed me, bidding me
+speak no words of thanks, but only deserve them from him.
+
+Now there was a little silence after this, and Wislac, being ever ready,
+broke it for us,
+
+"Much do I marvel," he said, "that these suits of armour should be so
+exactly fitting to each of us. Surely there is some magic in it."
+
+"Only the magic of a wearied man's sleep, and of a good weapon smith,"
+said the bishop, laughing. "One measured your mail, byrnie and helm
+both, as you slept. We have lay brethren apt for every craft."
+
+And that reminded me of Brother Guthlac, and a thought came to me.
+
+"Father," I said, "six men have you bidden me choose, and I know none of
+the Dorset men. Yet there are six lay brethren here who have been
+warriors, of whom brother Guthlac is one, and if they may march against
+heathen men, I pray you let me have them."
+
+Now that the Bishop seemed to find pleasant, as though he knew something
+of those lovers of war songs, and answered that he wot not if Tatwine
+would let them go. But, in any case, he would choose men for me of the
+best, and that we all thought well, knowing in what spirit he would put
+those men whom he should choose.
+
+So he bade us go, taking our arms with us, and we, thanking him, went
+out. But I found my collier, and showed him the arms I had been wearing,
+saying they should be his, and then took him, rejoicing, into the town.
+There I bought him, after some search, a plain, good sword and target,
+which he bore to his lodgings to scour and gaze at for the rest of the day.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII. A MESSAGE FROM THE DEAD.
+
+
+How shall I tell what it was like when the bishop, standing aloft at the
+head of the abbey steps with all the monks round him, gave into my
+hands, as I knelt, his standard to bear at the head of his men?
+
+Very early in the morning it was, and all the roofs were golden in
+bright sunlight, and the men, drawn up in a hollow square fronting the
+abbey, were silent and attentive as mass was sung in the great church,
+so that the sound of the chanting came out to them through the open
+doors. And when the sacring [xi] bell rang, as though a
+wave went along the ranks, all knelt, and there was a clash and ring of
+steel, and then silence for a space, very wonderful.
+
+Then came out, when mass was said, bishop, and thanes, and monks, and
+there gave me the banner, Wulfhere and Wislac kneeling on either side of
+me, and behind us those six stout housecarles whom the bishop had chosen
+and armed for me. So the banner was given and blessed, and I rose up,
+grasping the golden-hafted cross from which it hung, and lifted it that
+all might see.
+
+Then was a great shout from all the men, and swords were drawn and
+brandished on every side, and, without need of command, all the Dorset
+host swore to follow it even to the death. And that was good to hear.
+
+But as for me, my thoughts were more than I may write, but it seems to
+me that they were as those of Saint George when he rode out to slay the
+dragon in the old days, so great were they.
+
+After that a little wait, and then the horses; and the bishop mounted a
+great bay charger, managing him as a master. And to me was brought my
+white horse by the collier, looking a grim fighting man enough in his
+arms, and to Wulfhere and Wislac black and gray steeds given by Ealhstan
+himself.
+
+Now the bishop rode, followed by us, to the centre of the levy, and
+again a great shout rose up even mightier than that first, and when it
+ended he spoke to the men as he was wont to speak but even yet more
+freely, and then put himself at their head, and so began the march to
+Brent. And all the town was out to see us go, never doubting of our
+victory, nor thinking of how few might return of all that long line of
+sturdy and valiant fighting men.
+
+When we were clear of the town at last, and went, the men singing as
+they marched, down the ancient green lanes that had seen our
+forefathers' levies and the Roman legions alike, I had time to look
+around me at my own following, being conscious in some way that, mixed
+up as it were with the war song, there had been the sound of the droning
+of a chant as by monks close by me. And I could see no monks near. The
+thanes were riding round and after the bishop, who came next me as I led
+the way with the standard, and Ealhstan indeed had on his robes; but
+there was a stiffness about him, and a glint of steel also, when a
+breeze shifted the loose fold of his garments, that seemed to say that
+his was not all peaceful gear.
+
+Just behind me, as I rode with Wulfhere and Wislac to right and left,
+came my six men, big powerful housecarles, all in black armour and
+carrying red and black shields, and with a red cross on their helms'
+fronts. And the squarest of these six, he who seemed to be their leader,
+looked up at me, when I turned again, with a grin that I seemed to know.
+So I took closer notice of him, and lo! it was Guthlac, the reader of
+Beowulf, and the other five were his brethren. Small wonder that I had
+not recognized the holy men in their war gear, so little looked they
+like the peaceful brethren who had walked in the abbey cloisters.
+
+With them was my collier, keeping step and holding himself with the best
+of them, and I thought that they would be seven hardy Danes who should
+overmatch my standard guard. So I was well content with the bishop's
+choice for me.
+
+Now of that march to Brent, and the meeting there with the Somerset
+levy, there is no need to tell. But by the time we marched from thence
+against the Danes, there were five hundred men of Dorset, and near nine
+hundred of Somerset. Of the Danes some judged that there would be eight
+hundred or more, but if that was so, they were tried men, and our
+numbers were none too great. Moreover, we must separate, so as to drive
+them down to their ships, for they were spread over the country, burning
+and destroying on every side.
+
+We lay but one night on Brent, while the leaders held counsel, and even
+as we sat gathered, we could see plainly the fires the Danes had lit, of
+burning hamlet and homestead, far and wide across the marshes of Parret.
+And the end of that council was that Eanulf should take his Somerset men
+up Parret valley, and so drive down the Danes, while Ealhstan should
+fall on them by Bridgwater as they came down, and so scatter them.
+
+Therefore would the Somerset levy march very early, before light; while
+we should wait till the next night, unless word should come beforehand.
+
+So we went to sleep. And as I slept in my place, with the standard
+flapping above me, and my comrades on either side and behind, it seemed
+to me that one came and waked me. And when I sat up and looked, thinking
+it was a messenger from the bishop, I saw that it was Matelgar.
+
+Now this time I had no fear of him, and I waited for him to speak, just
+as though he had been before me in the flesh, for there seemed naught
+uncanny about the matter to me. And yet even at the moment that seemed
+strange, though it was so.
+
+But for a while he looked not at me, but out over the low lands towards
+Parret mouth and Stert, shading his eyes with his hand as though it were
+broad noonday. And then he turned back to me and spoke.
+
+"Heregar; I promised to stand by you again when the time came. Now I bid
+you go to Combwich hill, there to wait what betides. So, if you will do
+the bidding of the dead who has wronged you, but would now make amends,
+shall you thank me for this hereafter--aye, and not you only."
+
+Then out over Parret he gazed again and faded from beside me, so that I
+could ask him nothing. Then knew I that I was awake, and that this had
+been no dream; for a great fear came on me for a little, knowing what I
+had seen to be not of this world. Yet all around me my comrades slept,
+and only round the rim of the trenched hill went the wakeful sentries,
+too far for speech--for we leaders were in the centre of the camp.
+
+But presently I began to think less of the vision, and more of the
+words. And at first they seemed vain, for Combwich hill was over near to
+Stert; nor did I see how I could reach the place without cutting through
+the Danes (who would doubtless leave a strong guard with the ships, and
+were also in and about Bridgwater), seeing that the river must be crossed.
+
+Then as I turned over the matter, not doubting but that a message so
+given was sooth, and by no means lightly to be disregarded, I seemed to
+wake to a resolve concerning the meaning of the whole thing. What if I
+could win there under cover of darkness, and so fall on the Danish host
+as Eanulf drove them back and the bishop and Osric chased them to the
+ships?
+
+That seemed possible, if only I could cross Parret with men enough, and
+unseen. I would ask Wulfhere and Wislac, when morning came, and so, if
+they could help, lay the matter before the bishop himself. So thinking I
+fell asleep again, peacefully enough, nor dreamt I aught.
+
+With morning light that vision and the bidding to Combwich, and what I
+had thought thereon, seemed yet stronger. Very early the Somerset men
+went with Eanulf, and we of the bishop's levy only remained on Brent
+after the morning meal.
+
+Then as we three stood on the edge of the hill, and looked out where
+Matelgar had looked, I told my two friends of his coming and of his words.
+
+"Three things there are," said Wislac, "that hinder this ghost's
+business; namely, want of wings, uncertainty of darkness, and ignorance
+of the time when the Danes shall come."
+
+"There are also three things that make for it, brother," said Wulfhere.
+"Namely: that men can swim, that there is no moon, and that the Danes
+are careless in their watch of the waste they leave behind them."
+
+"Think you that the hill will be unguarded?" asked I, glad that Wulfhere
+did not put away the plan at once.
+
+"Why should they guard it? There are Danes at the ships--though few, I
+expect, for we have been well beaten. And more in plenty from Parret to
+Quantocks, and no Saxon left between the two forces."
+
+"Why not burn the ships then?" asked Wislac.
+
+"Doubtless that could we, once over Parret," answered Wulfhere, "but
+what then? Away go the Danes through Somerset, burning and plundering
+even to Cornwall, and there bide till ships come, and then can be gone
+in safety. That is not what we need. We have to trap them and beat them
+here."
+
+"So then, Wulfhere," I said, "think you that the plan is good?"
+
+"Aye," he answered, "good enough; but not easy. Moreover, I doubt if the
+bishop would let his standard bearer part from him."
+
+That was likely enough to stop all the plan; but yet I would lay it
+before Ealhstan, for it seemed to us that such a message might by no
+means go untold at least.
+
+So we sought him, and asked for speech with him; and at that he laughed,
+saying that surely his council had the best right to that. Osric was
+with him, and the bishop told him how that we three had been his first
+advisers in this matter.
+
+Then we sat down and I told Ealhstan all, asking nothing.
+
+When I had ended, Osric looked at me, and said that the plan was
+venturesome; but no doubt possible to be carried out, and if so, by none
+better than myself, who knew every inch of that country. Then, thinking
+over it, as it were, he added that the woods beyond Matelgar's hall
+would shelter any force that must needs seek cover, so that, even were
+Combwich hill unsafe, there was yet a refuge whence attack could again
+be made.
+
+Then Ealhstan, who had listened quietly, said that such messages were
+rare, but all the less to be despised. Therefore would he think thereof
+more fully.
+
+"What," he asked, "is the main difficulty?"
+
+I said that the crossing of Parret was like to be hard in any case; but
+at night and unobserved yet more so. But that, could we reach the
+farther bank, I could find places where we might lie in wait for a day,
+if need were, with many men.
+
+Thereupon the bishop took that great book of Caesar's wars, and looked
+into it. But he seemed long in finding aught to meet that case, while we
+talked of one thing or another concerning it among ourselves.
+
+At last he shut the book and said, very gravely: "I would that I could
+swim."
+
+"I also, Father," said Wislac, "and why I cannot, save for sheer
+cowardice, I know not, having been brought up on Thames side, and never
+daring to go out of depth."
+
+At that we were fain to laugh, so dismally did the broad-shouldered
+Mercian blame himself. But the bishop said that if I went, needs must
+that he came also. But he did not dissuade me in any way.
+
+"Wulfhere the Counsellor," he said then, "have you no plan?"
+
+"To cross the river?" answered the veteran. "Aye, many, if they may be
+managed. Rafts for those who cannot swim, surely."
+
+Now I bethought me of the many boats that ever lay in the creek under
+Combwich, and wondered if any were yet whole. For if they were, surely
+one might swim over and bring one back. And that I said.
+
+Then of a sudden, the bishop rose up, and seemed to have come to a
+decision, saying:
+
+"See here, thanes; ever as we march to Bridgwater, we draw nearer
+Parret. Now by this evening, we shall be close over against this place
+Combwich, so that one may go thither and spy what there is to be done,
+and come back in good time and tell us if crossing may be made by raft
+or boat. Let this rest till then. But if it may be so, then I, and
+Heregar and his following, and two hundred men will surely cross, and
+wait for what may betide. For I think this plan is good."
+
+So he would say no more of it then. And presently all his men were
+mustered, and we marched from Brent slowly along the way to Bridgwater.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV. ELGAH THE FISHER.
+
+
+Now men have said that this plan of mine needed no ghost to set it
+forth, but is such that would enter the mind of any good leader. That
+might be so had there been one there who knew the country as I knew it,
+but there was not. And I was no general as was Eanulf. However that
+might be, I tell what happened to me in the matter, and sure am I that
+but for Matelgar's bidding I had never thought of this place or plan.
+
+But once Ealhstan had heard thereof, the thought of it seemed ever
+better to him. And when we were fairly marching along the level towards
+Bridgwater he called me, and began to talk of that business of spying
+out the crossing place.
+
+Now I too had been thinking of that same, and asked him to let me go at
+once, taking one man with me. Then would I rejoin him as best I might,
+and close to the place where I might fix on means of getting over.
+
+Now there seemed little danger in the matter, for our spies had reported
+no Danes on this side of Parret, for they kept the water between us and
+them, doubtless knowing that Osric had gone to Brent at first, and
+thinking it likely that another levy might be made. So the bishop, not
+very willingly, as it seemed to me, let me go, as there was none else
+who could go direct to the point as I could without loss of time, even
+as Osric told him.
+
+Then I gave the standard into Wulfhere's hand, and must seek one to go
+with me. First I thought of Wislac, but he was a stranger, and then my
+eyes lit on my collier, and I knew that I need go no further. So I
+called him, and taking him aside--while the men streamed past us,
+looking at my silver arms and speaking thereof to one another--told
+him what we had to do.
+
+Whereat his eyes sparkled, and he said that it was good hearing.
+
+"But, master," he went on, "take off those bright arms of yours and let
+us go as marshmen. Then will be no suspicion if the Danes see us from
+across the water."
+
+That was wise counsel, and we left our arms in a baggage wagon,
+borrowing frocks from the churls who followed us, and only keeping our
+seaxes in our belts.
+
+Then Dudda found a horse that was led with the wagons, and I bade the
+man whose it was lend it to him, promising good hire for its use. And so
+we two rode off together across the marshland, away by Burnham, while
+the levy held on steadily by the main road.
+
+Then was I glad that I had brought the collier, for the marsh was
+treacherous and hard to pass in places. But he knew the firm ground, as
+it were, by nature, and we went on quickly enough. Now and then we
+passed huts, but they were empty; for away across the wide river mouth
+at Burnham, though we rode not into that village, we could see the six
+long black ships as they lay at Stert, and the smoke of the fires their
+guard had made on shore.
+
+But on this side of the river they had been, for Burnham was but a heap
+of ashes. They had crossed in their small boats, doubtless, and found
+the place empty.
+
+Then at last we came to a hut some two miles off in the marshes from
+Combwich, and in that we left our horses, giving them hay from the
+little rick that stood thereby. To that poor place, at least, the Danes
+had not come, for the remains of food left on the table showed that the
+owners had fled hastily, but in panic, and that none had been near the
+place since.
+
+Now Dudda would have us take poles and a net we found left, on our
+shoulders, that we might seem fishers daring to return, or maybe driven
+by hunger to our work. For we must go unhidden soon, where the marshland
+lay open and bare down to the river, the alder and willow holts ceasing
+when their roots felt the salt water of the spring tides. But we had
+been able to keep under their cover as far as the hut.
+
+So we went towards the river, as I had many a time seen the fishers go
+in the quiet days that were past; and we said little, but kept our eyes
+strained both up and down the river for sign of the Danes.
+
+But all we saw was once, far off on Stert, the flash of bright arms or
+helm; and there we knew before that men must be.
+
+On Combwich hill was no smoke wreath of the outpost fires I had feared,
+nor could I see aught moving among the trees. Then at last we stood on
+the river bank and looked across at the little haven. All the huts were
+burnt and silent. There were many crows and ravens among the trees above
+where they had stood, and a great osprey wheeled over our heads as we
+looked.
+
+"No men here," said my comrade, "else would not yon birds be so quiet."
+
+But I could see no boat, and my heart sank somewhat; for nothing was
+there on this bank wherewith to make the raft of which Wulfhere spake.
+
+Then said I: "Let us swim over and see what we can find."
+
+Now it was three hours after noon, or thereabouts, and the tide was
+running out very swiftly, and it was a long passage over. Nevertheless
+we agreed to try it, and so, going higher up the stream, we cast
+ourselves in, and swam quartering across the tide.
+
+A long and heavy swim it was, but no more than two strong men could well
+manage. All the time, however, I looked to see some red-cloaked Dane
+come out from the trees and spy us; but there was none.
+
+Then we reached the other bank, and stood to gain breath, for now we
+were in the enemy's country, and tired as we were, we threw ourselves
+down in the shelter of a broad-stemmed willow tree, on the side away
+from the hill and village.
+
+In a moment the collier touched my arm and pointed. On the crest of the
+hill stood a man, looking down towards us, but he was unarmed, as well
+as I could see, and, moreover, his figure seemed familiar. We watched
+him closely, for he began to come down towards us, and as he came nearer
+I knew him. It was one of the Combwich villeins--a fisher of the name
+of Elgar.
+
+Now I would speak with him, for he could tell me all I needed; yet I
+knew not if he had made friends with the Danes, being here and seeming
+careless.
+
+We lost sight of him among the trees, and the birds flew up, croaking,
+from them, marking his path as yet towards us; and at last he came from
+behind a half-burnt hut close to us. Then I called him by name.
+
+He started, and whipped out a long knife, and in a moment was behind the
+hut wall again. So I knew that he was not in league with the enemy, but
+feared them. Therefore I rose up and called him again, adding that I was
+Heregar, and needed him.
+
+Then he came out, staring at me with his knife yet ready. But when he
+saw that it was really myself he ran to meet me with a cry of joy and
+knelt before me, kissing my hands and weeping; so that it was a while
+before I could ask him anything. Very starved and wretched he looked,
+and I judged rightly that he had taken to the woods from the first.
+
+Presently he was quiet enough to answer my questions, and he told me
+that at first the Danes had had a strong post on the hill above us; but
+that, growing confident, they had left it these two days. But there were
+many passing and repassing along the road, bringing plunder back to the
+ships. He had watched them from the woods, he said.
+
+Also he told me that even now mounted men had ridden past swiftly, going
+to the ships, and from that I guessed that Eanulf's force had been seen
+at least, and tidings sent thereof.
+
+Then I asked him if any boats were left unburnt, and at that a cunning
+look came into his thin face, and he answered:
+
+"Aye, master. Three of us were minded to save ours, and we sank them
+with stones in the creek before we fled. But the other two are slain,
+and I only am left to recover them."
+
+Now that was good hearing, and I bade the men show me where they lay,
+and going with him found that now the water was low, we could see them
+and reach them easily. There were two small boats that might hold three
+men each, and one larger.
+
+Then I told Elgar how I needed them for this night's work, and at first
+he was terrified, fearing nothing more than that his boats should be
+lost to him after all. But I promised him full amends if harm came to
+them, and that in the name of Osric, which he knew well. And with that
+he was satisfied.
+
+So with a little labour we got the two small boats afloat, and then cast
+about where to hide them; for though Elgar said that the Danes came not
+nigh the place, it was likely that patrols would be sent out after the
+alarm of Eanulf's approach, and might come on them.
+
+At last Elgar said that there was a creek half a mile or less up the
+river, and on the far side, where they might lie unseen perhaps. And
+that would suit us well if we could get them there. And the time was
+drawing on, so that we could make no delay.
+
+Then out of a hollow tree Elgar drew oars for both boats, and we got
+them out into the river, and Dudda rowing one, and Elgar the other, in
+which I sat, we went to the place where they should be, keeping under
+the bank next the Danes. And it was well for us that the tide was so
+low, for else we should surely have been spied.
+
+Yet we got them into the creek, Elgar making them fast so that they
+would rise as the water rose. Then he said he would swim back, and if he
+could manage it would raise the large boat and bring that also.
+
+So without climbing out from under the high banks of the creek he
+splashed out into the tideway, and started back.
+
+Now Dudda and I must make our way along to the horses, and so we began
+to get out of the creek, which was very deep, at this low ebb of the
+water, below the level of the meadows. Dudda was up the bank first, and
+looked towards Combwich. Then he dropped back suddenly, and bade me
+creep up warily and look also, through the grass.
+
+So I did, and then knew how near an escape we had had, for there was a
+party of Danes, idlers as it seemed, among the burnt huts, turning over
+the ashes with their spears and throwing stones into the water.
+
+Then I saw Elgar's head halfway across the river, and knew he could not
+see the Danes over the high bank. He was swimming straight for them, and
+unless he caught sight of one who stood nearest, surely he was lost. It
+was all that I could do to keep myself from crying out to him; but that
+would have betrayed us also, and, with us, the hope of our ambush. So we
+must set our teeth and watch him go.
+
+Then a Dane came to the edge of the high bank and saw him, and at the
+same moment was himself seen. The Dane shouted, and Elgar stopped
+paddling with his hands and keeping his head above water.
+
+Now we looked to see him swim back to this bank, and began to wonder if
+the enemy would follow him and so find us. And for one moment I believe
+he meant to do so, and then, brave man as he was, gave himself away to
+save us; for he stretched himself out once more and began to swim
+leisurely downstream, never looking at the Danes again; for now half a
+dozen were there and watching him, calling, too, that he should come
+ashore, as one might guess. But Elgar paid no heed to them, and swam on.
+
+They began to throw stones, and one cast a spear at him, but that fell
+short. Then the bank hid him from us; but we saw a Dane fixing arrow to
+bowstring, and saw him shoot; but he missed, surely, for he took another
+arrow and ran on down the bank.
+
+Then Dudda pulled me by the arm, and motioned me to follow him, and I
+saw no more.
+
+Now the creek wherein we were ran inland for a quarter mile that we
+could see, ever bending round so that our boats were hidden from the
+side where the Danes were. Up that creek we ran, or rather paddled,
+therefore, knee deep in mud, but quite unseen by any but the great erne
+that fled over us crying.
+
+Hard work it was, but before the creek ended we had covered half a mile
+away from danger, and looking back through the grass along the bank
+could see the Danes no longer. Yet we had no surety that they could not
+see us, and therefore crawled yet among grass and thistles, along such
+hollows as we could find.
+
+At last we dared stand up, and still we could see no Danes as we looked
+back. And then we grew bolder and walked leisurely, as fishers might,
+not daring to run, across to that hut where the horses were. And
+reaching that our adventure was ended, for we were safe, and believed
+ourselves unnoticed if not unseen, for there was no reason why the Danes
+should think aught of two thralls, as we seemed, crossing the marsh a
+mile away, and quietly, even if they spied us.
+
+After we reached our horses, there is nothing to tell of our ride back
+to the bishop. We overtook him before dark, where his men were halted
+two miles from Bridgwater, on the road, waiting for word from Eanulf.
+
+Much praise gave he to me and the collier for what we had done, as also
+did Osric. And we, getting our arms again, went back to our own places
+well content; eager also was I to tell Wulfhere and Wislac of all that
+had befallen, and how I had boats for the crossing.
+
+And when they heard how Elgar the fisher had swam on, rather than draw
+attention to the place where we two lay, Wulfhere nodded and said: "That
+was well done," and Wislac said: "Truly I would I could do the like of
+that. Much courage is there in the man who will face a host with
+comrades beside him against odds; but more is there in the man who will
+go alone to certain death because thereby he will save others."
+
+Even as we talked there came riding a man from Bridgwater, going fast,
+yet in no great hurry as it seemed. He rode up to us, for there was the
+standard, and asked for the bishop, having word from Eanulf for him; and
+Guthlac told Ealhstan, who came up to speak to him, bidding us bide and
+listen.
+
+What the man had to tell was this. That the Danes had, in some way, had
+word of the march of our levies, and had straightway gathered together,
+or were yet gathering from their raidings here and there, on the steep
+hill above Bridgwater, having passed through the town, or such as was
+left thereof after many burnings. And it was Eanulf's plan to attack
+them there with the first light, if the bishop would join him with his
+levy.
+
+Then the bishop asked if there had been any fighting. And the man said
+that there had been some between the van of our force, and the rear of
+the Danish host; but that neither side had lost many men, nor had there
+been any advantage gained except to clear the town of the heathen.
+
+Having heard that, Ealhstan bade me go aside with him, and called Osric
+and some more of the thanes to hold a council. And in the end it was
+decided that Osric should take on the bulk of the levy to join the
+ealdorman, while the bishop and I, and two hundred of the men, should
+try that crossing at Combwich.
+
+"For thus," said Ealhstan, "we can fall on the Danes from behind if they
+stand or in flank if they retreat."
+
+And except that the bishop would go with me, this pleased them well
+enough; but they tried to dissuade him from leaving the levy. But he
+laughed and said that indeed he was only going on before it, for to
+reach him they would have to go clear through the Danes where they stood
+thickest, and when they reached the standard, victory would be theirs.
+
+Then they cried that they would surely not fail to reach him, and so the
+matter was settled, and the thanes told this to their men, who shouted
+and cheered, so that this seemed to be a good plan after all.
+
+Now the bishop rode among the men, calling out those whom he knew well,
+and bidding the thanes give him their best, or if they had no best, such
+as could swim, and very shortly we had full two hundred men ranged on
+one side of the road, waiting with us, while the rest went off towards
+Bridgwater, the bishop blessing them ere they started. And as they went
+they shouted that we should meet again across the ranks of Danes.
+
+When they were gone the bishop bade us rest. And while we lay along the
+roadside he went up and down, sorting out men who could swim well, and
+there were more than half who could do so, and more yet who said they
+were swimmers though poor at it.
+
+Then he told me his plan. How that the men who could not swim must go
+over first in the boats, and then the arms of the rest should be ferried
+over while they swam, and so little time would be lost: but all must be
+done in silence and without lights. So we ate and slept a little, and
+then, when it grew dark, started off across the meadows. And there the
+collier guided us well, having taken note of all the ground we had
+crossed in the morning, as a marshman can.
+
+It was dark, and a white creeping mist was over the open land when we
+reached it. But over the mists to our left we could see the twinkle of
+Danish watchfires, where they kept the height over Bridgwater; and again
+to the right we could see lights of fires at Stert, where the ships lay.
+But at Combwich were no lights at all, and that was well.
+
+Presently we reached a winding stretch of deep water, and though it was
+far different when I saw it last, I knew it was the creek in which our
+boats lay, and up which Dudda and I had fled, full now with the rising
+tide.
+
+We held on down its course until Dudda told me in a low voice that we
+were but a bowshot from the boats, and that now it were well for the men
+to lie down that they might be less easily noticed.
+
+So the word was passed in a whisper down the line, and immediately it
+seemed as if the force had vanished, as the white mist crept over where
+they had stood.
+
+Now Dudda and I went down to the boats and there found, not the two we
+had left only, but a third and larger one beside them. And at first this
+frightened us, and we stood looking at them, almost expecting armed men
+to rise from the dark hollows of the boats and fall on us.
+
+Then I would see if such were there, and stepped softly into the
+nearest. It was empty, and so was the next, and these were our two.
+Dudda came after me, and he hissed to me under his breath. The oars had
+been muffled with sacking.
+
+Now none but a friend would have done this, unless it was a most crafty
+trap to take us withal; and yet to leave the boats as they were had been
+surer than to meddle with them, if such was meant.
+
+Now Dudda, perplexed as I, though in my heart was a thought that after
+all Elgar had escaped, stepped into the large boat, and there he started
+back so suddenly as almost to overturn it, smothering a cry. Then was
+silence for a moment, while I for my part drew my dagger. Then I saw him
+stoop down, and again he hissed to me. The boats were afloat, and I drew
+that I was in up to the big boat.
+
+"Oh, master," said Dudda, whispering, "surely this is Elgar the fisher!"
+
+And I, peering into the dark bottom of the boat could see a dark still
+form, lying doubled over a thwart, that seemed to me to bear likeness to
+him.
+
+"Is he dead?" I asked.
+
+"Aye, master, but not long," answered the collier; feeling about.
+
+"Ah!" he said, with a sort of groan, "here is a broken arrow in his
+shoulder, and in his hand somewhat to muffle the oars withal. Well done,
+brave Elgar--well done!"
+
+Then I climbed softly over the gunwale, and so it was. Wounded to death
+as he had been by the arrow shot, he had yet in some way contrived to
+get this boat here, and afterwards to use his last strength in muffling
+the oars, and so died, spent, before he could end his task!
+
+And for him I was not ashamed of weeping, thinking there in the
+darkness, as we bore him hastily to the bank and laid him beyond the
+reach of hurrying feet to come, of how he must have been shot, and so at
+once feigning death have floated, or perhaps stranded on the mud, till
+the Danes were gone, and then returned in spite of pain and growing
+weakness to do what he had set himself for the sake of his country.
+
+But there was no time for more than thought, and now that we knew the
+boats safe, I went back to the bishop, and told him that all was ready.
+And he, ever thoughtful, had told off skilful men to row the boats over,
+and though now we must have enough for three, he had found six or eight
+oarsmen, and there was no delay, though they must work with less change,
+and the tide was still making, so that the pull to Combwich creek would
+be hard.
+
+Then ten men went softly to the boats, and at the last I bade them pull
+across to where they might, not making for the creek, and in a minute or
+two they were gone into the mist and darkness.
+
+Then came crawling to the river bank some six or eight men, strong
+swimmers, and would have tried to cross; but I bade them wait till the
+next boatloads went over, so that they might cross beside them, and
+cling to the gunwale if the stream was too strong. However, though most
+knew that was good counsel, two must needs try it, and one got across,
+nearly spent, and the other came back, clinging to the first boat to
+return, else had he been drowned, and it was a lucky chance that the
+boat met him.
+
+Now the man who rowed this first boat reported that there was silence,
+and no sign of Danes, on the other side, and so also did the rest as
+they came. After that the crossing went on quickly, men swimming beside
+the boats, and in an hour and a half all were over.
+
+When we found that all was safe, the bishop bade me cross with the
+standard, and so keep the men together. He himself came last of all.
+
+When Wulfhere came, swimming beside the boat in which sat Wislac, he
+took three men and went quietly to Combwich, which was nearly half a
+mile from where we landed, and was back presently, reporting all quiet.
+
+Then Dudda and the other rowers sank the boats, lest they should be seen
+by chance, and so betray us and our crossing.
+
+Now we went--I leading through this place I knew so well--round the
+head of the little creek, and so on up the hill, walking in single file
+almost, and very silently. And when we topped the hill--there before
+us, among the tree trunks, glowed a little fire, and round that sat six
+Danes, wrapped in their red cloaks, and, as I could see, all or most of
+them asleep.
+
+At that I stopped, and the line behind me stopped also, making a clatter
+of arms as men ran against one another in the dark.
+
+One of the Danes stirred at that, and looked up and round; but he could
+see nothing, and so folded himself up again. Then I saw that they had an
+ale cask.
+
+Now I knew that this post must be surrounded and taken, and whispered to
+Wulfhere, who was next me, what to do. And he answered that he would
+manage it, bidding me stand still. Then he went down the line,
+whispering in each man's ear, till he had told off twenty men, and them
+he sent off right and left into the darkness and I was left with Wislac
+standing alone, watching the Danes.
+
+I kept my eyes fixed on them till they seemed to waver and grow dim, so
+intently did I watch them; and then all of a sudden there was the sound
+of a raven's croak, and into the firelight and on those careless
+watchers leapt Wulfhere and his men from all around.
+
+There was one choked cry, and that was all, and Wulfhere beckoned to me.
+I advanced, and the line closed up and followed.
+
+Now we stood on Combwich hill, and all was well so far. Ealhstan came up
+to me, unknowing of what had caused the halt, being over the brow of the
+hill, and when he knew, said it was well done, and that now we might
+rest safely for a time.
+
+So we bade the men sit down, and those who were wet made up the fire
+afresh: for there was no need to put it out, but rather reason for
+allowing the Danes to see it burning, as if in safety.
+
+When we three sat by the bishop, Wislac asked what we were to wait for,
+and, indeed, that must be the next thought.
+
+Then said the bishop that after a while he would take the force to the
+woods that overhung the roadway, and so wait for the Danes as Eanulf and
+Osric drove them back; but that it was not more than midnight yet.
+
+Then came a little silence, and in that I seemed to hear the sound of
+footsteps coming up the hill from Combwich, and bade the others listen.
+And at the same time some of the men heard the sound, and started up to
+see who came. But they were the steps of one man only, walking carelessly.
+
+Into the light of the fire stepped one, at the sight of whom the men
+stared, though Wislac laughed quietly. It was that young thane who had
+wanted to fight my friend Wislac on the day of the council. He was very
+wet, and tired, throwing himself down beside us when he saw where we sat.
+
+Ealhstan asked him who bade him come, and how he had followed us.
+
+"Nearly had I forgotten a dispute I have with Wislac the Thane here.
+Wherefore I asked no man's leave, but followed you just too late for the
+crossing. So needs must swim. And here am I to see that Wislac counts
+fairly, and that he may have the same surety of me."
+
+Whereat we were obliged to laugh, and most of all the bishop, because he
+would fain have been angry, and could not. Then the thane, whose name
+was Aldhelm, asked who was the slain man over whose body he had
+well-nigh fallen on the other side of the river. So I told them of Elgar
+the fisher and of his brave deeds, and they were silent, thinking of
+what his worth was; too great indeed for praise. Only the bishop said he
+should surely have a mound raised over him as over a warrior, charging
+us three, or whichever lived after this fight, to see to that.
+
+Now we slept a little, posting sentries at many points, and giving those
+next the Danes on either side the red cloaks of the picket we had slain,
+lest daylight should betray them. It was in all our minds that at
+daybreak our men would attack from Bridgwater, driving the Danes back on
+us, and so we should fall on them while they were retreating, and
+complete the victory. So we had men on the hill overlooking the road to
+Bridgwater through Cannington that they might give us the first warning.
+
+Therefore I slept quietly, and all with me. And as I slept I dreamed.
+
+It seemed that I was standing alone on Brent Hill and from that I could
+look all over the land of Somerset, as an eagle might look, but being
+close to everything that I would see. And I saw all that I had done
+since I stood there as a prisoner, watching myself curiously in all that
+I did, and yet knowing all the thoughts that drove me to deed after deed.
+
+And so through the mirk wood till I turned and slew, and armed myself,
+and tormented my prisoner; then to the collier's hut, and my talking
+with the child; then on till I saw the lights of the viking ships and so
+thereafter bore the war arrow--everything, till at last I saw myself
+sleeping under the trees, on the top of this hill of Combwich, and there
+I thought my dream would surely end; but it did not.
+
+For now out of the shadows came Matelgar and stood beside me and waked
+me, and he told me that when the tide was out I must be up and doing.
+And so he passed. And the old crone, Gundred, came out of the shadows,
+and sat on her bundle of sticks and looked at me, and she too bade me be
+up and doing when the tide was low. And she looked at the standard that
+lay beside me, and said, "Aye, a standard; but not yet the Dragon of
+Wessex"; and so she, too, faded away.
+
+And then came Alswythe, and as she came, it seemed, as I looked, that I
+stretched my arms to her; but she smiled and said, "Love, when the tide
+is out, I shall be praying in the abbey for you and your men."
+
+And then from beside her came Turkil, the little child, smiling also,
+but hanging to Alswythe's dress as he said, "Warrior, when the water
+falls low, my father will call me from the hill, and I will pray for you
+and for him."
+
+So these two were gone. And at that I seemed to see our men lie in
+Bridgwater, and there was Turkil's father, the franklin, sleeping with
+the rest. But up and down among them went Eanulf the Ealdorman, watching
+ever.
+
+Then fled I, as it were, to that hill where lay the Danes, and on the
+road thither I saw Osric and twenty men, looking up at the fires that
+burnt where the enemy lay.
+
+And then I looked on those fires, and there were no men round them.
+
+One shook me by the shoulder, and my dream went.
+
+It was Dudda, and his eyes were bright in the firelight.
+
+And over Brent the first streaks of dawn were broadening, and the mists
+were gone.
+
+"Master, master," he said, "come with me to the roadway. Something is
+afoot."
+
+Then I woke Wulfhere, asking him to wait for me, guarding the standard,
+and followed my man swiftly to the place where the road cuts the hill.
+And there was a knot of the men, standing and listening.
+
+I listened also, and far off towards Cannington I could hear the sound
+of the tread of many feet, for the morning was still and quiet; and the
+men said that this was growing nearer.
+
+Then knew I that the Danes were falling back to the ships without
+risking battle, and my dream came back to me, with its vision of
+unguarded watch fires, and it seemed to me that surely, unless we could
+stay them, they would depart with the tide as it fell.
+
+"How is the tide?" asked I of the men round me.
+
+"Failing now," said one who knew, "but not fast."
+
+Then I remembered things I had hardly noted in years gone by. How the
+tide hung around Stert Point, as though Severn and Parret warred for a
+while, before the mighty Severn ebb sucked Parret dry, and how the ebb
+at last came swift and sudden.
+
+"When the tide is low," said they whom I had seen in my dream.
+
+And in a moment I recalled the first fight, and the words of Gundred,
+and I knew that we had the Danes in a trap.
+
+They were marching now in time to gain their ships and be off as the
+last man stepped on board, with the full draft of the ebb to set them
+out to sea beyond Lundy Isle, into open water. Nor had they left their
+post till the last moment, lest our levy should be on their heels, or
+else some more distant marauding party had not come in till late.
+
+I went back to Wulfhere and told him this, and in it all he agreed.
+
+And, as we whispered together, Ealhstan sat up, asking quickly, "Who
+spoke to me?" and looking round for one near him, as it seemed.
+
+"None spoke, Father," said I, "or none but Wulfhere to me, whispering."
+
+"What said Wulfhere?"
+
+"That the tide was failing," I answered.
+
+The bishop was silent for a moment, and then he said:
+
+"I heard a voice, plainly, that cried to me, 'Up! for the Lord has
+delivered these heathen into your hands'."
+
+"We heard no such voice, Father," I said, "but I think it spoke true."
+
+Now the light was broadening, making all things cold and gray as it
+came. And quickly I told Ealhstan what I had heard, and what both I and
+Wulfhere thought of the matter.
+
+"Can we let them pass us, and so fall on them as they gain the level
+land of Stert?" asked Ealhstan, saying nothing more.
+
+"That can we," I answered. "They will keep to the road, and we can draw
+back to the edge of the hill, so taking them in flank as they leave it."
+
+For the hills bend round a little beyond the place where the road falls
+into the level below Matelgar's hall.
+
+"So be it," said the bishop. "Go you, Wulfhere, and see how near the
+host is, and come back quickly."
+
+When he was gone the bishop bade me wake the men. And at first I was for
+going round, but by this thane Wislac had waked, and had been listening
+to us: and he said that if I would let him wake the men he could do it
+without alarm or undue noise. Only I must raise the standard and bid
+them be silent. At that the bishop smiled and nodded, and I raised the
+standard, and waited.
+
+Then Wislac stood up and crowed like a cock, and instantly the men began
+to turn and sit up, and as their eyes lit on the standard raised in
+their midst, became broad awake, each man rousing the next sleeper if
+one lay near him. And there was the bishop, finger on lip, and they were
+silent.
+
+"Verily I thought on the hard chapel stones," muttered Guthlac, the lay
+brother, behind me.
+
+"It is the war chime, not the matin bell, you shall hear this morning,"
+said one of his brethren.
+
+"That is better--mea culpa," said Guthlac, clapping his hand on his
+mouth to stop his own warlike ejaculation.
+
+Then came Wulfhere back, swiftly. Barely a mile were they from the hill,
+he said, and coming on quickly in loose order. Moreover, a horseman had
+passed, riding hard to the ships, doubtless to bid them be ready. But
+that would take little time, for these vikings are ever ready for
+flight, keeping their ships prepared from day to day.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV. THE GREAT FIGHT AT PARRET MOUTH.
+
+
+Now very silently we drew off from that place to the edge of the hill
+which looks across the road to Stert. And there the bishop drew us up in
+line, four deep, and told the men what we must do, bidding them be
+silent till we charged, though that could not prevent a hum of stern
+approval going down the line.
+
+One man the bishop called out by name, and when he stood before him,
+bade him, as a swift runner, hasten back to Eanulf or Osric, and bid
+them on here with all speed. And, when the man's face fell, the bishop
+bade him cheer up and go, for the swifter he went the sooner would he be
+back at the sword play. Whereat the man bowed, and, leaving his mail at
+a tree foot, started at a steady run over the ground we had covered
+already, and was lost in the trees.
+
+Then we waited, and the light grew stronger every moment. As we lay in
+line among the bushes we could see without much fear of being ourselves
+seen, and by and by we could make out the ships. They had their masts
+raised, and the sails were plain to be seen, ready for hoisting. The men
+were busy about their decks, and on shore as well, while the vessels
+were yet close up to the land.
+
+They must haul off soon, little by little, or they would be aground, as
+doubtless they had been with every tide till this, for rocks are none,
+only soft mud on which a ship may lie safely, but through which no man
+may go, save on such a "horse" as the fishers use to reach their nets
+withal, sledge-like contrivances of flat boards which sink not.
+
+The wait seemed long, but at last we heard the hum of voices, and the
+tramp of feet, and our hearts beat fast and thick, for the time was coming.
+
+Over the hill and down it they streamed in a long, loose line, laughing
+and shouting as the ships came in sight. A long breath came from us, and
+there was a little stir among the men; but the time was not yet, and we
+crouched low, waiting to make our spring.
+
+Then ran up a long red forked flag, with a black raven on it, from the
+largest ship, and that seemed to be a signal for haste, for the tide was
+failing, so that some of the foremost men began to stream away from
+their comrades. And then I saw that many carried packs full of plunder,
+and also that the last of them were on the level.
+
+So also saw the bishop, and he rose to his feet, pointing with the great
+mace he bore (for he might not wield sword) to the Danes, and saying:
+
+"For the honour of Dorset--for the holy cross--charge!"
+
+With a mighty shout we rose up, each in his place, and down the hill we
+rushed sword and axe aloft, on that straggling line.
+
+Then from the Danes came a howl of wrath and terror, and, for a moment,
+dropping their burdens, they fled in a panic towards the ships.
+
+Yet that was not the way of Danish men and vikings, and that flight
+stayed almost before it had gone fifty yards. Up rose amidst the throng
+a mighty double axe, and a great voice was heard shouting, and round
+their chief began to form a great ring of tried warriors, shoulder to
+shoulder as well as might be. But that ring might not be perfect all at
+once--too close were we upon them, having already cut down many of the
+last to fly.
+
+And then the battle began in earnest, and I will tell what I saw of it.
+For I was in the centre of our line, as befitted, and on either side of
+me were Wulfhere and Wislac, and on either side of them again, my
+collier next to Wulfhere, and next to Wislac his young thane. Before me
+were Guthlac and two brethren, and the other three behind me. That was
+the standard's shield wall. Behind that came Ealhstan the Bishop, hemmed
+in by twelve of his own best men.
+
+So, with voice, and gesture of arm and mace the bishop swung our line in
+a half circle round the face of that grim ring of vikings, and as they
+closed up we closed, and faced them. Then saw I that we were outnumbered
+by three to one, but we were fresh, and they tired with a long march,
+quickly made, and under burdens.
+
+Now began the spears to fly from one side to the other, and men began to
+fall. And yet there was no great attack made on either side. Then grew I
+impatient, for it seemed to me that as we were the weaker side the first
+charge might do all for us. So I spoke to Wulfhere, saying:
+
+"We must charge before they. Let us break into that circle."
+
+"Aye!" said the veteran, and "Aye!" shouted Wislac; and so I pointed the
+banner forward and shouted for my shield men to charge.
+
+And that, with a great roar, they did; and down before the brawny arms
+of those foremost three lay brethren went three of the heathen, and we
+were pressing into the circle. Then a brother fell, dragging a Dane with
+him, and Wislac took his place, and three more Danes fell. Then went
+Aldhelm to Wislac's side, and Lo! the circle was broken, and our
+standard stood in the midst.
+
+Yet was not that ring destroyed, and in a moment it closed after us, and
+now were we ten in the midst of a crowd of foes, while again outside
+them raged Ealhstan and his men, striving to break through to us.
+
+Then knew I that our case was hard, and I struck the spear that held the
+standard into the ground, and round it we stood, back to back, Wulfhere
+and Wislac once more to right and left of me. And it would seem that so
+grim looked we in our desperation, that they feared us a little, or, at
+least, that each feared to be the first to fall on us, for the Danes
+drew back and let us stand for a breathing space, until that great chief
+who rallied the men--leaving the care of the outer ring for a moment
+--came and faced me, speaking in fair Saxon enough, and bidding us
+surrender.
+
+And for answer I threw my seax at him, and as he raised shield to stop
+it, for it flew straight and hard as a forester can throw, I leapt at
+him, going in under his shield, and he fell heavily, moving not, for my
+blow went home. Well it was that Wulfhere came after me, for he warded
+blow of axe that would have slain me. And then the Danes howled and fell
+on us.
+
+Hard fighting it was, but round us grew a ring of dead, and no man had
+laid hands on the standard. Guthlac was down, and Aldhelm, two lay
+brethren also, and we were all but sped when I was ware of a Saxon
+shout, and the crash of a great mace on a helmet before me, and then,
+"Well done, my sons!" cried Ealhstan the Bishop, as he came and ringed
+us round with his own men, and we might breathe again.
+
+Now was the ring of Danes parted, and the ring was of our men; yet round
+it raged the vikings, as we had raged round their ring but a short space
+before. Yet, every man of us knew that we had won, for, even if each one
+of us fell before Eanulf came, the ships would not sail that tide. For
+the tall masts were listing over as two ships took the ground unheeded,
+and four were hauling out as the tide fell.
+
+And I thought of my vision last night, and of those I had seen, and of
+what they had bid me think of them; and the roar of battle went on
+unheeded by me as I leant against the standard staff while I might, and
+found my strength again.
+
+"See," cried Wislac, pointing. And I looked over to the hill where the
+road came down. It was full of horsemen, charging with levelled spears,
+and surely that was Osric at their head! Then near me a voice cried
+thrice "Victory!" but it seemed not as one of our men's rough voices,
+but very strange.
+
+Over the level the spearmen swept, and a cry broke from the Danes as
+they saw the fresh foe upon them, and again they fell back from us
+quickly, and, spite of our charge on them, and the spears of the leading
+horsemen, once more closed up into their iron ring. But now it was not
+motionless, but moved ever towards the ships, going backward steadily.
+
+Round it went Osric and his men: but into it they could not break. For
+the Danes hewed the ash shafts of the spears, and near them no horse
+might live, for their axes would shear through man and horse alike.
+
+Then Ealhstan shouted to Osric, bidding us stand. And right glad were we
+to do this, while ever the Danes shrank away from us.
+
+"Trapped they are, Sheriff," said Ealhstan, when Osric rode up to him,
+bearing still a headless spear. "Let them bide till Eanulf comes. None
+can reach the ships."
+
+"He is hard behind me with all the levy," said Osric. "Let us finish
+this without him."
+
+But Ealhstan shook his head, pointing to our men. And when he looked
+more coolly, he saw that barely half of us were left, and those worn
+out. So must we stand and wait; but we had done what we went to do, and
+had trapped the heathen when the tide was low. Yet the Danes went
+steadily back towards their ships, having yet half a mile to cover, but
+they left a line of wounded men to mark where they had gone, as one
+after another dropped.
+
+Now were we who were left safe, and knew we had done a deed which would
+he told and sung till other tales of victory blotted out its remembrance
+if they might.
+
+Then Ealhstan bade us sit down, for our horsemen were between us and the
+foe, and thereon he raised his voice, and with one accord his lay
+brethren and his own housecarles joined in singing a psalm of victory.
+And it was just at the matin time--yet that psalm ended not as it was
+wont, for ere the last verses were sung, it was drowned in a great and
+thundering war song of Wessex, old as the days of Ceawlin or beyond him.
+And if I mistake not, in that song bishop and lay brethren joined,
+leaving the chant for their own native and well-loved tongue, else would
+they have been the only men of all the host unstirred thereby and silent.
+
+Now, from that war song came a strange thing. It caused two great Danes
+to go berserk in their rage, and back they flew on us, their shields
+cast aside, and their broad axes overhead, howling and foaming as they
+came.
+
+One of Osric's men tried to stop them. But he and his horse fell, for (I
+say truth) one leapt high above the horse, smiting downwards with his
+axe, so that the man was swept in twain under that blow, and the berserk
+Dane came on unhindered, straight for the standard, for his comrade had
+hewed off the horse's head.
+
+Now I rested, by the standard, a long spear's length in front of our
+line. But by this I had leapt to my feet; and it was time, for he was
+almost on me. Spear had I none; so I dragged out the standard shaft from
+the ground where I had struck it, and levelled that sharp butt end full
+at his chest. Overhead was his axe again, and I had no shield to stop
+the blow; but I must leap aside from it.
+
+He paid no heed to the spear-ended shaft, but rushed straight on it,
+spitting himself through and through, while his axe fell; but I had
+wrenched myself and the shaft at once to one side, and he fell over,
+burying the axe head in the ground but an inch from the collier's foot.
+Yet had he not done with me, for, leaving the axe, he clawed the ashen
+shaft and dragged himself up along it, howling, not with the pain, but
+with madness, and I must needs smite him with my sword, for his dagger
+was already at my throat.
+
+Then looked I round for the other, but at first could not see him, for
+he was dead also, pinned to the ground by another of the horsemen, from
+behind. And all our men were on their feet, and the ring of Danes were
+shouting, and cheering their two mad men, yet keeping close order.
+
+This seems long in telling; but it was all done in a flash, as it were,
+for the first I knew of the coming of these men was by the wheeling of
+the horse and the leaping of the berserk above it.
+
+Then my men came and rid the standard of its burden, not easily, while
+Ealhstan stood with his arm on my shoulder, looking white and scared:
+for that had been the greatest danger he had seen that day, as he told
+me, which, indeed, it must have been, for else he had never changed
+countenance.
+
+"Gratias Domino," he said, "verily into these heathen evil spirits
+enter, driving them to death. Now have you fought the evil one, both
+spiritually and bodily, my son, and have won the victory!"
+
+Even as he spoke, the men, being sure of no more of such comings, began
+to crowd round me, shouting and cheering as though I had done some great
+deed. Which, if it were such, it seems to me that great deeds are forced
+on men at times; for what else I could have done I know not, unless, as
+Wislac says, I had run away, even as he was minded to do. But I had no
+time for that, nor do I believe his saying concerning himself.
+
+When the Danes were nigh their ships Ealhstan bade us tend our wounded.
+And the first man tended was myself, for Wulfhere came to me, looking me
+over, and at last binding a wound on my left shoulder, of which I knew
+not, saying that my good mail had surely saved me. He himself had a gash
+across his face, and Wislac one on the leg, but none of us was much hurt.
+
+Then Wislac sought Aldhelm, whom he found sitting up, dazed, from a blow
+across the helm that had stunned him, but he was soon able to walk,
+though dizzy and sick. But Guthlac was slain outright, and two others of
+the brethren.
+
+Well, so might I go on, for of all our two hundred men there were left
+but ninety fit to go on with the fight, the rest being slain or sore
+wounded by the Danish axes. Ealhstan was unhurt; for, save that once
+when he had broken the ring to reach us when we were hemmed in, his men
+had kept before him.
+
+Now what befell after that will not bear telling; for it was not long
+before Eanulf and all the Somerset and the rest of the Dorset levy came
+down and fell on the Danes as they fought their last fight as brave men
+should, with a quarter mile of deep mud between them and their ships.
+
+Into that fight none of us bishop's men went, for we had done our part.
+But we lay and saw the Danes charge again and again against odds, their
+line growing thinner each time, until our men swept the last of them
+from the bank into the ooze, and there was an end.
+
+Yet a few managed, I know not how, to reach the ships, and there they
+were safe; but thence they constantly shot their arrows into our men,
+harmless enough, but yet showing their mettle.
+
+So was a full end made of that host, for none but those few were left
+alive from Stert field, and Somerset and Dorset had taken their fill of
+vengeance.
+
+But, for all the victory, down sat Ealhstan the Bishop, and hiding his
+face in his hands wept that such things could be, and must be till war
+is no more.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI. AT GLASTONBURY.
+
+
+On that hard-won field we lay all that day, for we knew not if more
+Danes were left up country, or if by chance the ships might fall into
+our hands with the rising tide. And I think we might have taken them had
+not our men, in their fury, broken the boats which lay along the bank;
+so that we could not put off to them. Therefore, as the tide rose again
+and they floated, the men on board hauled out, and setting sail with
+much labour, for there were very few in each ship, stood off into mid
+channel. Out of Severn they could not get, for the wind was westerly,
+and the tide setting eastward, so at last they brought up in the lee of
+the two holms, and there furled sail and lay at anchor.
+
+Very stiff and sore were we when we had rested for a little, and there
+fell a sadness on the levy, now that the joy of battle had gone, and the
+cost of victory must be counted. And that was heavy, for so manfully and
+steadily had the vikings fought that they had accounted for man to man
+as nearly as one might count, either slain or maimed.
+
+Now on this matter I heard Wislac speak to Aldhelm, who sat facing him,
+and holding his aching head with both hands.
+
+"So, friend," quoth Wislac, "as touching that matter of dispute we had.
+How stands the account?"
+
+"I know not, nor care," said Aldhelm. "All I wot is that my head is like
+to split."
+
+"Nay, that will it not, having stood such a stout blow," said Wislac,
+laughing. "Cheer up, and count our score of heads."
+
+"I can count but one head, and that my own. Let it bide."
+
+"So, that is better," said Wislac. "I should surely have been slain five
+times by my own count, but it seems I am wrong. Wherefore I must have
+escaped somehow. And that is all I know about it."
+
+Then he turned to me, and asked if I had noted any doings at all.
+
+And when I thought, all I could remember plainly were the fall of the
+tall chief I slew, and the coming of Ealhstan, and the attack of the
+berserk, and no more; all the rest was confused, and like a dream. So I
+said that it seemed to me that we had had no time to do more than mind
+ourselves, but that withal my shield wall had kept the standard. And
+that kept, there need be no question as to who had done best.
+
+Then Wislac nodded, after his wont, and said that if Aldhelm was content
+so was he.
+
+Whereupon Aldhelm held out his hand, and said that Wislac was wise and
+he foolish. And Wislac, grasping it, answered that it was a lucky
+foolishness that had brought so stout a comrade to his side, for had it
+not been for Aldhelm putting his thick head betwixt him and an axe,
+slain he would have been.
+
+"Aye, brother," he said, "deny it not, for I saw you thrust yourself
+forward and save me by yourself, which doubtless is your way of settling
+a grudge, brother, and a good one."
+
+So those two were sworn friends from that day forward, as were many
+another couple who met on that field for the first time, fighting side
+by side for Wessex.
+
+Thus wore away the day and the next night, and with the morning those
+ships were yet under the holms, swinging at their anchors, for the
+westerly breeze held.
+
+Then said Eanulf: "Let them be; harm can they do none, being so few.
+They will go with the shift of wind."
+
+But the shift of wind came not for days and days, and there they lay,
+never putting out from shelter. And they are out of my story, so that I
+will say what befell them.
+
+One night it freshened up to a gale, and in the morning there were five
+ships where six had been. One had sunk at her moorings. Then men said
+that the Danes had made a hut on the flat holm, plain to be seen from
+the nearest shore. And at last a shift of wind came, and they put not out.
+
+So certain fishers dared to sail across and spy what was amiss, and
+finding no man in the ships, nor seeing any about the hut, went ashore,
+none hindering them.
+
+Ships and hut and shore were but the resting place of the dead, for
+after a while they had no food left, and were too few and weak even to
+man one ship and go.
+
+Many a long year it was before the king of their land, Norse or Dane,
+whichever he was, learned what had befallen his host, and how their
+bones lay on the Wessex shore and islands, for not one of all that had
+sailed that spring returned to give the news, or to tell how his
+comrades died on Stert fighting to the last, and on the island wishing
+they had fallen with the slain.
+
+Now must I tell how we went back to Glastonbury town, marching proudly
+as became conquerors, while on every side was shouting of men, and at
+the same time weeping of women for those who had fallen.
+
+When we came to the great square there stood Tatwine the Abbot and all
+his monks; but I had no eyes for them. For there, with abbess and nuns,
+stood Alswythe, smiling on me through tears of joy, and though her
+cheeks were thinner and paler by reason of fasting and prayer for us
+all, looking most beautiful, and to me like a vision of some saint.
+
+That was all I could see of her then, for we must kneel, while a great
+Te Deum was sung, and then crowd into the abbey to hear mass once more.
+
+Then after that was over, there was a great feast in the wide hall of
+the abbey, where Ealhstan and Eanulf sat side by side in the high seats,
+and on their right, Osric and myself, and on the left, Wulfhere and
+Wislac, none grudging those chief places to the men who had kept the
+standard and broken the Danish ring.
+
+When the feasting was done, then came the telling of great deeds over
+the ale cup, and that lasted long, and many were the brave men praised;
+nor were the deeds of the vikings, as brave foes, forgotten, for men
+praised them also. Moreover, the gleemen sang of the fight, and in those
+songs my name came so often, as needs it must, seeing that I bore the
+standard, that I will not set them down. Nor is there need, for the
+housecarles sing them even yet.
+
+Now before we went to rest, Eanulf bade me wait on him early in the
+morning, and so, being refreshed by a long, quiet night, I went to him
+as he had bidden me.
+
+There he thanked me as man to man for that crossing of Parret, and for
+staying the going of the Danes, saying that a greater man than he should
+add to the thanks. For needs must that one took word of all that had
+befallen to Ethelwulf the King, and that to be such a messenger was most
+honourable. Therefore should I myself bear the news, taking with me my
+two friends and such men as I chose, and should bear, written down, the
+reports of both Osric and Ealhstan, besides his own.
+
+"Else," said he, "there are perhaps some to whom credit is due whose
+names may pass unmentioned."
+
+And thanking him, I said that that was likely, for I knew few in the
+levy, which came from far and wide.
+
+Whereat he laughed, saying that I was either very modest or very simple.
+So I knew that he spoke of myself, and thanked him again.
+
+"Nay," he said, "small thanks to me, for if I did you not justice the
+men would."
+
+Then all of a sudden he asked me about the business of my trial, and
+what I thought of it, bidding me tell him as a friend, thinking naught
+of the judge.
+
+And that I was able to do now without passion, so far off and small a
+thing it seemed after all these stirring doings. And I knew that but for
+it I had been only a foolish thane, and slain maybe over my feasting in
+my own hall, or on Combwich hill, with my back to the foe, beside Matelgar.
+
+Now when I had ended my tale and my thoughts concerning it, he told me
+that he had found out much of late, as he and the thanes spoke together
+here while waiting for the levy, and that word should go to the king of
+the whole matter, so that without waiting for the Moot, he should inlaw
+me again.
+
+Then I knew not enough to say; but he clapped me on the shoulder, saying
+that he had been an unjust judge for once, and that I must be heedful if
+ever I sat in his place, and so bid me go and find my friends--and get
+ready to ride to Salisbury, where the king lay, having moved from
+Winchester nearer to us.
+
+That went I to do with a light heart, and only sorry that I might not
+see Alswythe before I went.
+
+And this I told Wislac, who looked oddly at me, and then laughed, saying
+that he believed I feared an old nun more than a wild berserk. And true
+it was that I was afraid of that stately abbess, though not in the same
+way as one fears a raging madman flying on one.
+
+"Pluck up courage," said he, "and go and ask the old dame to let you
+have speech with your lady; and if she grants it not, I am mistaken, for
+the lady is not one of her nuns, and there is a guest chamber for such
+folk as bishop's right-hand men, surely!"
+
+That was good counsel, and so I went to the nunnery, trembling first
+because I was afraid, and next lest I might not see Alswythe.
+
+Now that wondrous silver mail of mine was too easily known, and so soon
+as I got out into the street, the beggar men began to shout and crawl
+towards me. And then others looked, and ran, and then more, till there
+was a crowd of men of the levy pressing round me, stretching hands to
+pat me and the like.
+
+Then one stood in front of me, hands on hips, and stared at me, and all
+at once he shouted: "Ho, comrades, this is the saint of Cannington hill!
+I saw him there, and soundly did he rate me for running, even as I
+deserved."
+
+And at that there was a mighty shouting and crowding, so that I could in
+no wise go on my way, and I began to wax wroth.
+
+My back was to the abbey gates, which were closed after me by the
+porter, and just then I saw some of the men look up over my head and
+point, and laugh; so I turned round, and there were Eanulf and Osric on
+the gateway battlements, looking on, as drawn thither by the noise. And
+just then Eanulf, laughing, made some sign or speech which I could not
+hear, to the men, who cheered; and soon they brought a great shield and
+on that set me, in spite of myself, raising me up shoulder high and
+saluting me as the man who had gained all the honour and victory. There
+must I lie still, lest I should fall and be made to look more foolish
+yet, and when I sat up, crosslegged thereon, they stopped shouting and
+stared at me.
+
+"Let me down, ye pigs!" said I, very cross, and unmindful of the honour
+they would do me.
+
+"Speak to us, Thane; speak to us," they cried; and one--he who knew me
+at Cannington after the first fight--added:
+
+"Aye, Thane, you made us strong again on the hill the other day--
+blaming us rightly. Praise us now if that may be."
+
+Then I cast about for what to say, not being a great hand at speaking,
+though maybe, when real occasion is, the words have come fast enough.
+Howbeit, this was in coolness. But I knew that they were worthy of
+praise, so I said:
+
+"Well have ye done, every man of you, even as I knew ye would when once
+ye turned to bay. And if the Danes come again, as I think they will not
+speedily, fight as ye fought at Stert, and there will be victory again."
+
+Then they cheered and shouted again, louder than before; and I made to
+leap down, but they would not suffer me.
+
+Then said I: "Let me go, for I have an errand."
+
+Whereupon the men who held the shield, and could hear me amid the
+slackening uproar, asked where I would go, and being dazed by the noise
+and tumult, like an owl in daylight, I must needs answer, without
+thinking; "To the great nunnery."
+
+And the end of that foolishness was that they bore me thither, for it
+was not far, with a great crowd of all sorts following and shouting. And
+there must I stand with all that tail after me while they beat on the
+gates in such sort that the poor nuns must have thought the Danes at
+their doorstep.
+
+But I held up my hand for silence, not thinking it would come; but as it
+were by nature longing for it. And instantly all the crowd was hushed,
+and that surprised me, though when I told Wulfhere thereof he said it
+was no wonder.
+
+Seeing which I begged them all to go away and not scare the holy women,
+who were used to quiet in the place. And then I remembered the honour
+the honest warriors had meant this for, and thanked them, bidding them
+make allowances for my being put out at first.
+
+Then took they off their helms and shouted thrice; and then fled
+rapidly, for the gates opened behind me, and there was the abbess
+herself, with her cheeks red, and her eyes burning bright in anger, as I
+thought, while behind her peeped all her nuns at the crowded street, and
+at myself standing shamefaced on the steps, doffing my helm as I saw her.
+
+But instead of being angry, she held out both her hands, and spoke
+kindly, saying; "Never has our quiet place heard such clamour before;
+but we women will not be behind the men in welcoming Heregar;" and so
+she bade the nuns come forward, laying her hands on my shoulder, and
+adding; "See, daughters, this is he who dared to warn the land of its
+danger, saving the lives of our sisters of Bridgwater, and many others,
+and who has even now led the host and conquered, giving us safety and
+peaceful rest again."
+
+But I knelt and kissed her hand, while there went a little murmur among
+the nuns.
+
+Then the lady abbess touched gently my bound shoulder, and said that the
+hurt was but rudely tended and that she must bind it afresh; so should
+she show her gratitude to one who had bled for the land. And they led me
+into the courtyard; and thence to the guest chamber, and there waited
+Alswythe.
+
+Now when I looked to see her greet me formally, as in the presence of
+the abbess, she ran into my arms, and I found that we were alone.
+
+Then must she hear and I tell all that had happened to me since we
+parted; but that was too long for the telling then, for very soon the
+abbess came with clatter of vessels along the passage, bringing warm
+water and salves to bind my small wound afresh.
+
+And in that Alswythe helped her, with many pitying words and soft
+touches, so that I thought it good to be hurt if such tendance might
+ever be had. And many things they asked, as of Wulfhere's safety, and
+the collier's, and of how I got that wound, and the like. And that last
+I could not tell them, marvelling myself when it came, and more that it
+was the only one; but I know I smote flatwise once or twice myself in
+the heat of fight, so doubtless it was so with others, else would
+Aldhelm have been in halves or thereabouts.
+
+Then I told them of my message to the king, and at that Alswythe
+rejoiced. And the abbess said that doubtless the king would reward the
+messenger, and what reward would I ask an he did so?
+
+Now there was only one reward to me in all the world, and for answer I
+took Alswythe's hand, all wet with the water she bathed my hurt with,
+and kissed it. On which the maiden blushed, and looked down, but the
+abbess laughed softly, saying, "Verily, I thought so," and then seemed
+to choke a little, turning away from us. And Alswythe did not draw away
+her hand from mine, but let her cheek rest for a moment against my head,
+and so there was a little silence.
+
+Then the abbess turned round again, and her eyes were bright, but the
+shine was of tears in them, and she spoke briskly.
+
+"Now must you get hence, Heregar, my son, and go your way to the king
+with all haste, so shall you be back the sooner. Give him a scarf to
+bind that wound, Alswythe; so shall it seem an honour and not a scar."
+
+So there was a little leave taking, but not much, though enough, and I
+went from the nunnery with Alswythe's white and red and gold scarf over
+my shoulder; gay enough to look at, but no gayer than the heart beneath it.
+
+And there, waiting for me in the street, was my tail, armed and drawn up
+in line of fours to see me back to the abbey. So I went there at the
+head of them, with more shouting of people.
+
+There was Wulfhere sitting on the doorsteps of the great door, having a
+bag in his hand, and when I got up to him, he thrust it out to me,
+saying "largess", and that I was glad enough to understand.
+
+So I put my hand into the bag, and crying, "Here is withal to drink to
+Somerset and Dorset shoulder to shoulder," scattered the silver pennies
+among them, and so left them without any order among them at all, though
+shoulder to shoulder certainly.
+
+"Ho, master!" said Wulfhere, "you looked mighty angry when you were
+carried aloft an hour ago."
+
+"Aye," said I, "'tis pity a thane cannot walk abroad quietly on his own
+business."
+
+"Well, well, they thought that you were their business, doubtless."
+
+"Whence came all those pennies?" I asked, for we had no store at all to
+cast away.
+
+"From Eanulf and Ealhstan," said Wulfhere, laughing. "They came to me,
+and saying that they were sore jealous, and minded to have good cause
+therefor, gave me this that you might carry off all well to the end."
+
+And that was good of them, for else I know not how I should have left
+the men without more speech making.
+
+Just then came the ealdorman into the hall where we were, and laughing,
+asked me if I meant to take all that following to Salisbury. But I only
+wanted the standard guards who were left, and Aldhelm, as one who had
+fought as such. This I had told Wulfhere before, so that I was not
+surprised when I heard that all were ready, and but waiting for me to
+set off.
+
+Then Eanulf and Osric took me to the bishop, and there gave me writings
+to deliver to the king, and also bade me tell all that he asked, in my
+own way.
+
+And those three saw us set forth, all well mounted, and a goodly company
+to look at, the bishop blessing us before we went, and the people and
+warriors following and cheering us on our way through the town, and even
+some way beyond the walls.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII. ALFRED THE ATHELING.
+
+
+Of our long ride to the king's place there is little to tell. Only that
+everywhere the news seemed to have flown before us, and men knew who we
+were and what our errand, crowding round us to hear all about the
+fighting, and to be assured that the Danes had truly gone. And great
+cheer made they for us everywhere, so that we were treated as princes
+almost.
+
+Therefore, that was a merry ride and a pleasant in the early June
+weather, and we were ever cheerful, for it so happened, as may have been
+already seen, that no one of us had lost close friend or kin in the
+battles, but had the rather gained much. Yet maybe we were the only ones
+of whom that might be said; for mixed with the joy was mourning over all
+the land. And of all my company, I had the most cause to be
+lighthearted; so that for all I had gained I thought the hard things I
+had gone through were well worth the bearing. Ever, therefore, have I
+judged him the happiest who out of hardship gains rest; for he best
+knows its worth.
+
+So at last we came to Salisbury town, and that was full of a brilliant
+company: the courtiers of the king, and their following again. Yet, for
+all their magnificence, thanks to our good bishop's gifts, we showed
+well as we rode into the streets, and I think were envied by many
+because the marks of honourable war were yet on us; so that the men
+spoke of Aldhelm's crushed headpiece, or Wulfhere's gashed shield that
+bore the mark of the axe that he stopped from me, or my riven mail that
+Alswythe's scarf would scarcely hide, and Wislac's broken crest.
+
+And if they looked from us to our men, there was yet more of the like to
+speak about; for not one of the standard guard had been scatheless from
+heavy weapon play.
+
+Being thus marked we were easy to be known, and hardly had we drawn rein
+at the great hostelry where we should wait till the king summoned us,
+when a thane came to me, asking if we were from bishop or ealdorman. And
+when I said we were so, bearing letters from them, he bade us to the
+king's presence at once, tarrying for nothing, as we were waited for.
+
+Fain would we have washed away the stains of travel; but he was urgent,
+saying that the king's word brooked no delay. Therefore, leaving our
+horses with the people of the inn, we followed him, marching in order,
+to the great house where Ethelwulf was.
+
+Here were guards and many thanes, and I must show the tokens given me,
+before we might enter, while our thane stood by, impatient at the
+formalities.
+
+Those over, we came to a greet hall high-ceiled with oak, and carved
+everywhere, and strewn with sweet sedges, and on the high place sat the
+king and queen and one of the athelings.
+
+Now I had never seen the king before, but I thought him like all that I
+had heard of in stories. For he sat in his purple robes, ermine-trimmed,
+having on a little gold crown over his long, curling hair, and his
+gloves and shoes were of cloth of gold, curiously wrought with pearls,
+while at his feet sat a page, holding a cushion whereon lay sceptre and
+orb.
+
+But I looked to see the face of a warrior under the gold circle of the
+king, and therein was disappointed; for his face was kind and gentle, as
+many a good warrior's has been in time of peace, but lacked those lines
+which a man might know would harden into grimness and strength in time
+of need. And I thought that Ealhstan was like a king, and Ethelwulf like
+a bishop rather.
+
+Yet by the king's side, leaning on his chair, was one whom I then noted
+not, having eyes only for his father--Alfred the Atheling, who, to my
+mind, is both warrior and saint, as though Ethelwulf, his father, and
+Ealhstan, his teacher, had each taught him the properties of the other,
+making a perfect king.
+
+Now, while I looked, our guide went and made obeisance before the king,
+telling him of our coming, and at that the face of Ethelwulf lighted up,
+and he called to us to come near and give our message. And I saw the
+queen clasp her hands, as preparing to hear things all too heavy for a
+lady's ear, while the atheling stood up and gazed eagerly at us. Then,
+too, over all the court was deep silence, as they made a lane through
+which we must pass to reach the throne, and our feet seemed to make all
+the sound there was.
+
+So we tramped up, and bowed low before the king, who ran his eyes over
+us, though not as a captain: but as one who knows men of all sorts well,
+and is accustomed to judge their faces.
+
+Then he said to me; "You are Heregar, the bishop's standard bearer. We
+have heard of you as such, and welcome you, knowing you must bring good
+news, as your face tells me."
+
+"I am Heregar, Lord King," I answered, "and I bring good news--written
+in these which I am to give into your own hand."
+
+Then the king smiled a little, and signed the atheling to take the
+letters, and give them him.
+
+But I, not knowing court ways, must needs think this beside my duty, and
+said quickly, not knowing to whom I spoke; "Pardon me, Thane, I am to
+give these into the king's own hand," and so stepped past him, holding
+out the letters to Ethelwulf.
+
+And at that the atheling laughed outright, which was strange to me in
+the king's presence, saying, "Not so far wrong, standard bearer, if not
+very polite;" and so stepped back to his place, still laughing.
+
+But Ethelwulf did not notice this, having taken the letters eagerly from
+me, and broken open the first that came.
+
+Now when he had read the first few lines, he looked up, and reading from
+the letter, which doubtless told him the names of the bearers--
+"Heregar I know," he said; "which is Wulfhere?"
+
+Then Wulfhere bowed, and the king asked for Wislac and Aldhelm, and then
+for each of the men in turn. And when each had answered, he looked hard
+at us, still holding the letter open, but saying nothing, and then fell
+to reading again. So we must stand still till all those letters were read.
+
+Presently he took one, and reading the outside, gave it to the atheling,
+saying it was to him, and went on reading. That the atheling took, and
+as he read, looked at us, and it seemed particularly at me, though I
+thought nothing of that.
+
+At last the king finished, and turned to a tall, noble-looking warrior
+who stood very near the dais, bidding him treat us with all honour, and
+see to our lodging near him while we were at court. Shortly, he said, he
+would speak to us of all we could tell him.
+
+Then he held out his ungloved hand to us, which the atheling made a
+smiling sign for me to kiss, and that we all did, and then he looked
+pleasantly at us, and went his way from the hall, followed by his close
+attendants, with the queen and the atheling.
+
+So soon as the king was gone, the talk began all over the hall, and most
+of all they crowded round us to learn what we could tell them; but that
+tall thane, whose name was Ceorle, came and took us away, telling the
+rest jestingly that they should have the second telling of the news, but
+that the king must have the first. And so he took us to guest chambers
+in his own house, and there left us in charge of his steward, treating
+us four thanes with all honour, and our men, as became their standing,
+among his own best men.
+
+At least, this last was but for a short time, for the lay brethren came
+to me, looking oddly at me, and saying that they were in a strait; for,
+being lay brethren first, and warriors after, they knew not how to join
+in the talk and idle jests of the servants and housecarles. Moreover,
+they said that their vows obliged them to certain duties of prayer. And
+this I thought was honest of them, for many a lay brother would, when he
+found that I noted not their state, have broken out of bounds gladly,
+for the time.
+
+So I sent for the steward, and asked him where they might be bestowed,
+and after a little thought, he said that the abbot, who had a following
+of honest housecarles, would take them in; and that he managed for us,
+and afterwards told me that Ealhstan's men had gained great praise, both
+for themselves and the bishop, by their ways in the abbey.
+
+This is a little thing: but I tell it because it shows what sort of man
+Bishop Ealhstan was. For even over these rough warriors he had gained
+such a power for good that he had made of them all he wished--sturdy
+champions of the faith, both bodily and spiritually.
+
+So when those three were gone elsewhere our only serving man was my
+collier, and well was he treated in Ceorle's house.
+
+We bided quietly there all the rest of that day and that night, and then
+in the morning were bidden to speak with the king, Ceorle taking us four
+himself and sending one to find the lay brethren and Dudda.
+
+The king sat with Alfred the Atheling in a private chamber, no other but
+Ceorle being beside him while we were there. And I was a little
+frightened about my putting aside the young prince now, for I knew who
+he was from Ceorle. But he had a pleasant look and greeting for us as we
+came in. So also had Ethelwulf himself, who seemed less stately than
+yesterday when he sat in his royal attire in full court.
+
+Richly dressed he was now, with a gold circlet on his head and great
+gold bracelets on his arms; but he was in no high place, only sitting
+easily in a carved and cushioned chair, while the atheling sat on a
+settle by the window.
+
+The letters I had brought lay open on the table at the king's elbow, and
+his hand was on them, and there were other writings scattered about;
+great ones with red seals hanging thereto--made no doubt by the gold
+signet which stood close by in its open casket.
+
+"Come near, Thanes," the king said in his deep, quiet voice. "Let us
+talk together of this matter as friends, for a useless king were I but
+for such as you who keep my throne from the blows of enemies."
+
+"Stay, Father," said Alfred the Atheling, starting up. "Let me write
+while the thanes speak," and he gathered up pens and such, and a roll of
+parchment, sitting down at the table and then holding pen ready, and
+looking at us.
+
+The king smiled at him and his haste, and said, "Verily, Thanes, you
+must mind your words if Alfred writes them down, for he will ever keep
+records of tales such as yours, saying that they are for men to read
+hereafter."
+
+But that had no terrors for us, seeing that we had a plain tale to tell,
+truth and nothing more. So, as Ceorle bid us, we four sat down by the
+window, and the king asked me to tell my story from the first.
+
+So I began by saying that I had seen the landing of the Danes at Stert,
+and warned the watchmen of the levy.
+
+There Alfred stopped me, holding up his pen suddenly.
+
+"Tell us, Thane, of the Watchet landing," he said.
+
+And when I began to tell of that he looked up again, with his eyes
+dancing, and asked me how I came on Quantock hill.
+
+Thereat the king laughed a little, saying that Alfred should have been a
+lawman, and the atheling said that, with his father's help, he meant to
+be such, and a good one.
+
+And that he has become, for the laws he has given us will last, as it
+seems to me, till the name of Saxon has departed.
+
+Then I was a little in doubt what to say, and the king saw this. So he
+told me kindly that he had had very full accounts written by the bishop
+and ealdormen; but now both he and the atheling would fain hear about
+myself; that is, if my friends already knew all, and if I would not heed
+Ceorle.
+
+Now I saw that I must speak more of myself than I wished, and would fain
+have been excused, saying something of that sort. But the atheling asked
+me to think of them as friends who would feel for me, saying, too, that
+of my own history he would not write, and so kindly did he urge me,
+drawing me on, that at last I had told him all from the beginning of my
+troubles, even to the time when I rode with Alswythe into Glastonbury
+and sought the bishop.
+
+"That is well told," said Alfred, when I had finished so far, and the
+king sighed a little, but left all the speaking to his son.
+
+"Now, Wulfhere," he went on, "it is your turn," and so made the old
+warrior take up the tale; but he bade him begin at the first fight.
+
+However, Wulfhere must needs go back to the war arrow business, and then
+to the staying of the flight at Cannington, and in this Alfred did not
+stop him, though I thought it more than needed.
+
+So he told all his tale, even to the slaying of the berserk, and things
+like that. And as he told of the breaking of the ring, and our stand
+inside of it, Alfred the Atheling wrote fast, and presently he bade
+Wulfhere cease, and going to a corner took down a harp, while his father
+smiled on him, and tuning it, broke out into a wondrous war song that
+made our hearts beat fast, for we seemed to feel that it was full of the
+very shout and ring of battle inside our circle of foes, and we were as
+men who looked on and saw our own deeds over again, only made more
+glorious by the hand of the poet and the voice of the singer.
+
+So that when he ended the king's eyes flashed, and Ceorle's face was red
+and good to look at with a war light on it, and Wislac shouted, as I had
+nearly done.
+
+But at that sound, strange in the king's presence, we all started, and
+Wislac seemed abashed.
+
+"Truly, Lord King," he said humbly, "I could not help it."
+
+"Almost had I done as you did," said the kindly king. "Alfred must bear
+the blame. Now shall you tell your story."
+
+But Wislac said he had nought to add to Wulfhere's tale, save that
+Aldhelm here had saved him at his own cost, and that he had had,
+moreover, as much fighting as he was like ever to want.
+
+But even from him Alfred gained many things about the fighting, and from
+Aldhelm also, and these he wrote down.
+
+Thus we all told our tales, and they were long in the telling, so that
+when Aldhelm had finished, the king rose up, blaming Alfred gently for
+the long sitting, saying, however, that he had feared somewhat of the
+sort, but that doubtless the thanes were more wearied than either of the
+other three who had listened.
+
+"Now," he said, "well have you four thanes deserved of me and of all,
+and you shall not say that the king is ungrateful. And I think that each
+of you has said less of your own selves than might be said, or, indeed,
+than is said in these letters. Now have Ceorle and I and my council
+spoken of this matter, and we have thought of rewards fitting for the
+shield wall of the standard."
+
+Then would we thank the king; but he bade us wait for a little, putting
+his hand on those great parchments with the seals. One of these he took
+and gave to Aldhelm.
+
+"This is to your father, confirming his rights of the land he holds of
+me to him and his heirs for ever, by reason of your good service. Yet is
+there a little blame to you from the way in which you found a foremost
+place, though much praise for the holding thereof and in your manner of
+ending that quarrel."
+
+So Aldhelm took the deed and kissed the king's hand in token of homage,
+going to his place very glad, for this was what his father desired most
+of all.
+
+Then the king beckoned Wislac and gave him also a deed like Aldhelm's,
+granting him the lordship of the manor of Goring on the Thames, and that
+was a good reward to the stout Mercian, who thanked the king, saying
+that he wotted not how his majesty knew what he would have most wished.
+Whereupon the king laughed, saying that kings knew more than men gave
+them credit for, and so Wislac did homage, and sat down.
+
+Then Ethelwulf looked at Wulfhere, and said; "Wulfhere, my old warrior,
+I know not rightly what to do with you, for you are a lonely man, and I
+think that a place in my court would not suit you. Nor would you care to
+hold a manor in a strange place. Wait a little, and we will think it over."
+
+Now at that Wulfhere looked glad, for I think he feared rather than
+desired reward.
+
+Now came my turn, and my face flushed, and I was a little frightened,
+for there was but one thing I wanted, and I feared that that might not be.
+
+But the king made a step towards me and took me by the hand, looking
+hard at me.
+
+"Heregar," he said, "yours has been a strange story, and from beginning
+to end you have been first in this victory that will gain us peace for
+many years to come. Moreover you have suffered wrong, being punished for
+evil falsely laid to your charge on my account. And that I must show all
+men to be untrue, and that I, the king, hold it so. Now shall you choose
+your own reward."
+
+Then was I sorely abashed, not knowing how to say what I longed for, and
+the king stood waiting a little. And maybe I should never have got it
+out, but the atheling looked up, and said:
+
+"May I speak for you, Heregar?"
+
+And so plainly did I see that he knew all, that I asked him to do so,
+and he came beside me and said; "Heregar needs but one thing, my father,
+and that is the hand of the maiden he loves--Alswythe the daughter of
+Matelgar, and your ward since her father was slain."
+
+"Are you so foolish as to ask no more than that?" said the king, smiling.
+
+And on that my tongue was loosed, and I answered; "Aye my Lord the King.
+If foolish it be to long for the one whom a man loves, and who loves
+him, so that he holds her beyond all other reward."
+
+"Then is your request granted," said the king very kindly. "Yet must you
+have withal to keep so great a treasure rightly."
+
+Now I had forgotten that I was landless, and well it was for me that the
+king went on quickly; "So I give you the lands that were Matelgar's, and
+your own lands again; and my men, and at my cost, shall build your halls
+afresh that the Danes have burnt. And whatever rights were Matelgar's or
+your father's shall be confirmed to you and yours for ever. Yet these
+things are but justice, and no reward."
+
+So he paused a little, and I found courage to speak.
+
+"My Lord the King, I need no more than you have given, for love and
+honour and lands have come back to me, and withal friendship of these
+three here, and of Ealhstan the Bishop, and of the noble ealdormen;
+while but for what has befallen I might have been still a careless
+thane, living at ease and for naught; but now, having heard Your good
+words, it is enough, and reward fit for any man."
+
+And this I meant from my heart, for no more could I see that any man
+should need than this: honour of his fellows and of the king, and love
+and lands, and friends. Surely is a man rich in these things.
+
+Yet must Alfred the Atheling add a word.
+
+"Call me your friend also, Heregar, if you will, for fain would I be
+so," and he held out his strong white hand to take mine.
+
+And it is good to think that, as it were, the grasp of his has never
+slackened from that day to this, but that he is my friend still.
+
+Then Ceorle must say likewise, and last of all the king said; "Friend to
+all my people would I be, and to none more than to those who have risked
+life for the land. Therefore, to you and yours am I friend always, so
+that you shall ever think of me as friend first and king after. Nor is
+it to everyone that I dare say that, Heregar, my friend."
+
+And he took my hand also, as the atheling and Ceorle had taken it.
+
+So was I fain to weep for very joy at all this that had come to me, and
+must turn away for a little lest it should be seen.
+
+Then the king spoke cheerfully, as on business.
+
+"Now, Heregar, I have work for you to do in your home; for I would have
+no man idle. Here is Watchet town burnt up, and no man left--for its
+lord is slain--to see that it is built aright, and that each man, or
+family, has his own again. Now, you knew that place well, nor is it very
+far from you. Therefore shall you see to all that, and you shall have
+writings from me to back you. But men must know that you yourself have
+power there, and, therefore, I make you lord of all Quantock side, from
+Watchet stream to Parret, and from the borders of your own land at
+Cannington to Severn shore between those two. And this shall you render
+in return for those rights: that you shall be ready at all times to bear
+the standard of Wessex, against all comers from over seas, at my bidding."
+
+Now that was the Dragon of Wessex of which the old witch spoke. And lo!
+those things that had been foretold of me were sooth, and I knelt before
+the king, and swore to bear him this service faithfully.
+
+So the rest bore witness of that oath gladly, rejoicing in the honour,
+which was in truth to them as well as to me, for I could not have gone
+through aught without them, and if mine was the grip on Ealhstan's
+banner shaft, theirs were the hands that had kept it there.
+
+Then said Ethelwulf; "Choose now one who shall have charge under you of
+the watchings and beacons on your shore."
+
+And straightway I turned to Wulfhere, and begged him to do this for me,
+and it was good to see the warrior's face light up with gladness as he
+promised to give me his help. Doubtless that was what the king had in
+store for him, for at once he gave him the manor of the Watchet thane
+who had been slain, for as it chanced he had no heirs, and the land came
+back to the king.
+
+That was the end of a long morning's work, and very kindly did Ethelwulf
+take his leave of us, saying that we must have these matters confirmed
+when the Witan [xii] met in two days' time.
+
+So we went out, landed men and noble, and with us went the atheling, who
+took us to his own lodgings at the abbey, where he would see and speak
+to our men that he might write yet more from their lips, for he said
+that often it was good to hear what the common sort thought.
+
+And my collier must needs tell him--for he was very pleasant, so that
+none need fear his rank--of Grendel, and also of the saint, which
+mightily pleased the atheling. So that often would he call me "Grendel"
+in sport thereafter, for we grew close friends in the time we bided at
+Salisbury.
+
+And that seemed long to me, for now would I fain be back at Glastonbury
+with Alswythe.
+
+Soon Wislac, also, grew tired of the court, and said that he longed for
+the deep meadows and lofty trees, and green downs along the clear river
+in this June time, and must seek his own home again. But it seemed that
+Alfred over-persuaded him, for reasons which he told me not, and he stayed.
+
+We went to the great meeting of the Witan, taking our seats there when
+our rights were confirmed to us. And into my hands was put the standard
+of Wessex by the king himself, and I bore it to the great church, there
+to be blessed in the bearing thereof.
+
+And there stood Ealhstan himself in his robes, having come even that
+morning for this very purpose. And that was pleasant, and even as I
+should have most wished. Moreover, my friends, and Alfred, and Ceorle
+stood by me as if for shield wall at that time, and I was well attended.
+
+Now betimes, in the afternoon, came Alfred the Atheling to me as I sat
+with Ceorle, talking of the arms of the vikings, and asked me to come
+and speak with friends of his, who would not see him save he brought me.
+
+And at that Ceorle laughed, saying that they must be of importance if
+they would deny the prince an audience, making conditions. And Alfred
+said very gravely that they were so, and maybe the only people, save the
+king and queen, who might delay seeing him.
+
+So I was curious to know who these were. But we left Ceorle still
+laughing. Then Alfred took me to the abbey, and sent one of his men to
+say we had come, who, when he returned, bade us into the presence of
+these people.
+
+When we came to a great door, in a part of the abbey where I had not
+before been, he took my arm, and pushed me in first, saying that he
+would ensure himself a good reception; and there sat Ealhstan, and
+beside him stood Alswythe, smiling at me, and with a little colour in
+her face.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII. PEACE IN THE LAND.
+
+
+Now of the wedding in the great church I knew very little, save that I
+had Alswythe beside me, and that Ealhstan married us. And that was all I
+cared for, heeding naught of the rest.
+
+But the king and the queen were there, and many thanes, while the
+atheling must needs be a groomsman with my friends, and Ceorle gave away
+the bride on the king's behalf. There, too, was Eanulf, looking very
+noble in his court array, beside the king. And the little page in blue
+and silver who held Alswythe's dress was none other than Turkil,
+"Grendel's friend" as Alfred called him, whom Alswythe had begged the
+bishop to bring with him.
+
+There also was Dudda the Collier, clad beyond knowledge by Wislac,
+holding my helm and sword, and the lay brethren, mail clad for the last
+time, with the white cross painted on their shields and helms. Lustily
+did they join in the chanting.
+
+Osric only was not there, but on Alswythe's neck and arms shone
+presently wonderfully-wrought collar and bracelets of gold that he had
+sent, having had them made from the spoils of that tall viking chief
+that I had slain.
+
+Then was there feasting, and songs of gleemen, and, better still, that
+song of Stert fight sung by Alfred the Atheling himself in full hall.
+And then had Wislac full excuse for what he did in the king's presence,
+for at the end all the hall joined in a mighty Wessex war shout. And
+that, said the atheling, was a poet's greatest praise, to have stirred
+the hearts of men to forgetfulness of aught but the song.
+
+Now, when we must needs ride away westward, with Wulfhere and Aldhelm
+for attendants, and the collier and my lay brethren again for guards,
+the king gave Alswythe a ring, praying her to spare me to him if need
+should be; and she, half weeping, yet proudly, told him that she would
+be the first to arm me for his service. And the queen kissed her, but
+the atheling said that soon he should see us again, for he would ride
+with me over the battle-ground, and learn it all, when our hall was
+ready for a guest.
+
+Then Wislac took leave of us last of all, even as we started, for he
+said he would have no long leave taking. Nor did he know if he must not
+come with Alfred to fight the battle over again. And we prayed him to do
+so, for I loved the quaint sayings and cool valour of the
+broad-shouldered thane.
+
+But Eanulf and Ceorle rode with many of the thanes a mile or more with
+us on our way from the town, and there, having set us fairly off, left
+us with hearty good-speeds. But they left one behind, who joined himself
+to our little company. And that was Turkil, clad like myself in silver
+mail, and on a white pony, but with flame-coloured cloak and scarf. For
+that was the atheling's doing, when he knew that "Grendel's friend" was
+to be brought up in our hall, to grow into the stout warrior I had boded
+him to be.
+
+Now should my story be ended were it a fairy tale, but it is not that.
+Well I knew that, happy as I was, the day must come when I must bear
+forward to battle the golden dragon banner of Wessex, and I cannot
+rightly tell if I dreaded or longed for that day. Maybe there was a
+mixture of both dread and longing in my thoughts thereof.
+
+But when we came over Brent Knoll, on our way back to my place and
+Alswythe's at Cannington, there lay the black ships under the holms yet,
+and there, too, were the burnt walls of our houses, though these were
+rising up again as the king's men wrought at them. And all the land lay
+waste and neglected, and, as we rode over Cannington hill, a broken helm
+rolled from my horse's hoof from among the grass of the roadside. Those
+things brought back to us the memory of war and trouble even in our new
+happiness; and there, over the river, was the new-made mound over Elgar,
+the man who had died for his land, and not in vain.
+
+It was many days since we started from Salisbury town, however, before
+we came to Cannington, and in that time we had sought the house of
+Turkil's father, the franklin, lodging with him for a day and night,
+that we might seek Leofwine the hermit. But him we might not find, for
+he was dead, and that grieved me sorely, for I would fain have seen him
+again, aye, and if it might be, taken him to live with us.
+
+But he died as the tide went out on the day of Stert fight, and those
+who stood by him say that he had visions of all that befell there.
+
+For many times he called to me as exhorting me; and once, after long
+silence, in the gray of early dawn, he rose up, crying, "Up, Ealhstan,
+up, for the Lord has delivered these heathen into your hands!"
+
+And that was at the time when the bishop had heard those words spoken to
+him. And again, once more he roused, even at the time when the Danes
+drew off from us at the coming of Osric. He lifted his hands, crying
+"Victory!" thrice, and then saying very softly, "Heregar, my son," was
+silent thereafter till he died at the time of the lowest ebb, only his
+lips moving as if in prayer. And I remembered the strange voice I had
+heard crying round me, and I wept, for I thought how much more was
+wrought by the prayers of feeble ones than men wot of.
+
+But his prophecy had indeed come true, and though I might not see him
+more, the memory of Leofwine is with me always, with his words of wise
+counsel that he had spoken to me.
+
+Now of that other one who prophesied in her strange way to me I know no
+more, nor did I ever see her again. Gundred the witch, men called her,
+knowing her well, and fearing her. But she was never seen after the
+Danes swept over our land, and how she ended none ever knew. I sought
+her carefully that I might give her shelter and ease for the rest of her
+days, but without avail.
+
+All his life long has Dudda the Collier bided with me, serving well and
+roughly, but in all most faithfully, as is his wont. And not many days
+after we came homewards he brought me the berserk's axe to hang in hall,
+for he had taken it and hidden it when we left the battlefield on the
+day after the fight. So there it is now, and beside it hangs the raven
+flag of the largest ship, for he must needs go with the fishers across
+to the holms, and bring me back the tale of how the last of the Danes
+had perished.
+
+And now what am I to say of the years since our hall was built again?
+Long have they been, and not all happy, for many a time have I had to
+bear the standard of Wessex against the Danes. Yet Stert fight won us
+six years of peace, and after that the Earl Ceorle and I led our levies
+and conquered at Wenbury. But that was Wulfhere's last fight, for of his
+wounds he might not recover, though we bore him back and tended him
+carefully for a month or more. So he lies in God's Acre at Cannington,
+and is at rest.
+
+Then came long years of fighting, and ever I bore the banner, and ever
+Alswythe set me forth most lovingly, with brave words that should bide
+with me till I came back to her. And all the time our hall was safe, for
+beyond Parret the Danes came not again.
+
+And to tell of all those fights were too long, or of how Wislac and
+Aldhelm would ever fight beside me as of old, and at last Turkil in
+Aldhelm's place, when that brave thane fell at Wilton, fighting for
+Alfred the King.
+
+Then were we in Athelney with Alfred, and it was the collier who found
+us that place of safety. And thence we went at last to victory again,
+and now once more the land has rest.
+
+Yet Wislac is with us in Wulfhere's place, for his own land is in Danish
+hands, and we know not what wars may be yet with them, though we have
+stood by the king's side when the greatest victory of all was won, and
+Guthrum the heathen became Athelstan the Christian, and peaceful
+division of the land was made.
+
+So I and Alswythe grow old here in Cannington, seeing our children grow
+up around us. And Alfred the king has our eldest in his court, there
+training him in all things well and wisely. And Turkil is thane of
+Watchet, and our son-in-law, much loved by all, well and faithfully
+tending all my shore as Wulfhere tended it in his time.
+
+So to me and mine after storm has come peace, and with us and the land
+all is well.
+
+THE END.
+
+i A representative assembly or court of judgment.
+
+ii An outlaw for whose slaying there was a reward, or at
+least no penalty.
+
+iii A curved, one-edged sword or war knife.
+
+iv The "Saga of Beowulf" was the great popular poem of
+the Saxon races, and as well known to them as the legends of Robin Hood
+to us. The principal episode is the hero's victory over the marsh fiend
+Grendel.
+
+v Crowland in Lincolnshire, where the saint founded his
+monastery.
+
+vi Like the Highland "fiery cross", the signal for
+rising in arms.
+
+vii The most contemptuous term that could be applied to
+a Saxon. Its exact force is lost, but may be expressed by "worth nothing."
+
+viii The border of cleared land round a forest
+settlement, across which in times of war none might come without sound
+of horn in warning.
+
+ix The "Saga of Beowulf" as we have it is the work of a
+Christian editor of King Alfred's time.
+
+x A corselet or coat of mail.
+
+xi The bell which is rung during mass.
+
+xii The great national council, or parliament.
+
+*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 13054 ***