Vietnam or Thailand ? Vote for the TOP Country of the Week !
Updated: June 26, 2025
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.
"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."
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.
Now of ourselves I will add that Thora and I have many friends, but the best and closest are those whom we made in the days when Hubba came and fell under the shadow of the Quantock Hills, and they do not forget us. Into our house sometimes come Heregar and Ethered, Denewulf the wise and humble, Odda, and many more, sure of welcome.
"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.
"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.
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.
"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.
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 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."
Word Of The Day
Others Looking