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It lies on a cliff over the Thames, on the way to the cathedral city, whence its name, "the town on the cliff." So we started, the Etheling, Alfgar, and I, after the chapter mass at nine. We crossed the fine timber bridge over the Isis, then kept the causeway over the marshes, till, crossing an arm of the main stream, we ascended a hill and passed through the open country.
"It is well," said Edmund; "we will wait for him here." A loud cheer from those around him showed how he had succeeded in imparting his own brave spirit to others. The trumpets commanded a halt; and Alfgar and other riders bore the commands of the king to the extremities of the host.
The doors were shut to keep out the storm, and I had already said grace, when the Etheling suddenly appeared. His manner struck us all. He looked wild and agitated, and his first words cast a chill over us. "Where is Alfgar?" "Is he not with you, what has happened?" said I and Herstan, speaking in the same breath. "No, I have lost him.
And now God had heard their litanies: "From the fury of the Northmen, good Lord deliver us," and had averted the scourge through the stout battle-axes and valiant swords of these warrior peasants and their noble leaders, such as Edmund, son of Alfgar.
We console him by telling him that all has been done which is possible, both to warn the people and learn the fate of Alfgar. He tries to look contented, but if he knew how little has really been done, and that that little has been in Edric's hands, he would not be so contented. Saturday, December 19th, 1006.
It whizzed through the air, and drank the life blood of the poor beast, which bounded a few steps, staggered, and fell, when in a moment Alfgar ended its struggles by drawing his knife across its throat, while young Hermann, a true hunter by instinct, clapped his hands with joy. "We shall bring our dinner with us," quoth the boy. At this point I found great difficulty.
"Alfgar," said he, "you must have slept soundly. Tell us what you heard and saw." He briefly related the particulars with which the reader is acquainted. "But how could they enter? Was your door unfastened?" "No; it was bolted on the inside, even as I left it last night." "Bolted on the inside! then they must have entered through the window," said Edric, noting the words.
"Alfgar can perhaps inform you, but one day must have been much like another to him in the Danish camp." "His statement would need verification," said Ednoth. "He is as true and brave as any man here." "Of course, all Danes are true and brave," said Edric. "He is a Christian." "Yes; I think he became one on St. Brice's day," suggested Edric. "To save his life, no doubt," said the sheriff.
Michael here, and then he will leave for London in the course of the week. We have heard nothing of Alfgar we fear there is no hope; but the prince clings to it, and says his dream will come true, and that Alfgar has yet a great work to do. Christmas Eve, 1006. O happy happy Christmastide! All griefs seem hushed and all joys sanctified by the blessed mystery of the Incarnation.
Alfgar seemed the only silent member of the company; the warriors related their successes, and boasted of their exploits, and the bards sang their ferocious ditties, until all were tired, and the quiet moon looked down upon the sleeping camp. O the contrast the calm passionless aspect of the heaven and the human pandemonium beneath. St. Matthew's Day, 1006.
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