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Updated: April 30, 2025
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.
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.
But with Odda had come his daughter, the Lady Etheldreda, who would not leave him; and she and the Lady Alswythe and Thora were yet in the house, and Osmund the jarl sat in the hall, listless and anxious of face. It was an ill time for him; but there were none of us who did not like him well, and feel for him in his helplessness. "What news?" he said, when he saw me come into the hall.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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."
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. 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.
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