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They were refused admittance to the cell wherein he was confined by Edric, who had assumed the direction of all things, and whose claim, such is the force of impudence, seemed to be tacitly allowed by the thanes and ealdormen of Wessex. But Elfwyn and Herstan could hardly be denied permission to visit him, owing to their positions, and they both did so.
"Your proofs," said the bishop "nay, my lord Edric, trust your reputation to the justice of God and the court." "The messenger from Canute, who came here on the vigil of St. Andrew." "Where is he?" "He has returned to Canute," said Elfwyn. "Aught else?"
"I cannot explain that difficulty, but I can suggest one motive which may already have suggested itself to several. But let me ask of what nation is Alfgar?" "A Dane; but an Englishman by long habit." "I can answer for that," said Elfwyn. "Once a Dane always a Dane. Now a secret messenger arrived from Canute yesterday, and had a long private interview with Alfgar.
Alfgar had volunteered to share the perils of his adopted lord, but was kindly told that it would be inexpedient. Indeed, by many he would have been suspected of treachery. "Nay, Alfgar, remain at home; to you I commend the protection of my home, of the Lady Hilda, and our children," said Elfwyn. Neither were Bertric's prayers to be allowed to share his father's perils any better received.
Offa, 940. * Oswald, 937. + Ragnar, 959. * Ella, 959. + Elfric, 960. + Alfred, 998, m. Alftrude. o Elfric, 975. o Elfwyn, 1036, m. Hilda. # Bertric, 1006. # Ethelgiva, 1064, m. Alfgar. @ Edmund, 1066, m. Winifred. Wilfred, 1122. Edith, 1124, m. Herstan. # Winifred, 1067. + Edgitha, 990. vii This Herstan figures largely in "Alfgar the Dane."
My brother Elfwyn married Hilda, the daughter of Ceolfric, a Thane of Wessex, in the year 985. He has two children Bertric, a fine lad of twelve, and as good as he is manly; and Ethelgiva, a merry girl of ten. His household is well-ordered and happy nurtured in the admonition of the Lord. For myself I have had many offers of promotion in the brotherhood of St. Benedict, but have refused them.
Elfwyn and Hilda return in a few days to their happy valley; men have been at work for weeks making a good road there from the hall, and the journey will only occupy two or three hours to a good walker. Anlaf takes his vows as a novice next Sunday, his novitiate will be as short as the rules of our order allow; we shall all then welcome him as a brother. Soon our days will flow tranquilly on.
While they yet remained on the hill, fire after fire took up the tale and reddened the horizon, until a score of those baleful bonfires were in sight. Sighing deeply, Elfwyn led the way down the hill. "What have you seen?" was the inquiry of the Lady Hilda. "The hills flame with beacons." "Alas for poor Wessex!" "Alas for England!
There was no prospect, Elfwyn said, of the campaign coming to an end; the harvest must take care of itself or the women and children must reap it. The men were all and more than all, wanted in Wessex. There were loving messages for wife and children, and Alfgar was not forgotten.
Three cleared four, five. Ah, he nears the sixth! No, he misses it! seven, eight one more nine! Ethelgiva fainted. A deep sound of applause, not even suppressed by the character of the place. Elfwyn received his adopted son in his arms: "Saved, saved!" he cried. "Thanks be to God, who giveth us the victory!" replied Alfgar.
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