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Updated: May 25, 2025
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.
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?
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.
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 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 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.
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.
"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.
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.
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.
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