Vietnam or Thailand ? Vote for the TOP Country of the Week !
Updated: June 1, 2025
Edmund's axe had found its victim; Herstan, who was by his side, had engaged and wounded the second; and, meanwhile, Alfgar, who was glaring about him for a foe, discovered the third, whose aspects and form were at once recognised by him. "What! you, Higbald!" he cried. "You shall escape no more," cried his late gaoler, and brought his axe down with a mighty rush.
After we had arrayed the Etheling and Alfgar this morning, I decided to accompany them on their road to Dorchester, for it happened that I had arranged to say mass and preach tomorrow at the little church of St. Michael at Clifton, the residence of my sister Bertha and her husband Herstan.
Elfwyn will not even yet consent to the marriage, saying, "Wait a little while; we have not yet done with the Danes." I fear he is right. June 1015. Herstan is here, and has brought us sad news. A great council has just been held at Oxford, whereat Edric Streorn, to the indignation of all men, sat at the king's right hand. Would this had been all!
He rushed up himself, but charged Herstan to remain below, and see that, whatever happened, the defences were not forsaken for one moment. The defenders on the roof were prompt with their remedy; and no sooner did a flaming brand arrive than it was extinguished, provided it fell in a spot easy of access.
"I could not discover that, but I think there must have been some secret door. Edric had perhaps lived in the Place before; he once resided in Oxenford." "He did, and in that very house," said Herstan. "I was here at the time when he assassinated Sigeferth and Morcar in the banqueting hall." "That may supply a clue, I know no other possible one." "But how, then, did he get your dagger?"
Alfgar, ever faithful, fought like a lion by his side. Herstan and his bravest warriors brought their aid, but all seemed lost. "Tell them to retreat to the river. "Herstan, conduct the retreat; Alfgar and I can keep them out for five minutes more." "All is lost! all is lost!" the cry arose within. "No; saved! saved!" cried Father Cuthbert from the roof. "What!
There, amidst the people of Wessex who had rallied so often to his war cry, all that was mortal of the Ironside reposed. Meanwhile the crafty Edric, who excused himself from attendance on the solemnities, tarried at Oxenford, and with him tarried also Elfwyn, Herstan, and the other friends of the unfortunate prisoner, to secure, as they were able, that justice should be rendered him.
Herstan and all his family, who had returned in peace to their dwelling, have come to us homeless and destitute. The Danes, as in 1006, suddenly issued from their ships. They took their way upwards through Chiltern, and so to Oxford, burning the city. Then they returned all down the river, the infantry in boats, the cavalry on horseback, burning on every side.
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.
"I grieve to say," he continued, "that there is but one upon whom our suspicions can now fall with any shadow of probability one who is now absent, for I thought it well not to summon him to this council; and before naming him, I must recall to you, Elfwyn, and to you, Herstan, the solemn oath we have all three taken to disregard all appeals of natural affection, and to ascertain the truth, God being our helper."
Word Of The Day
Others Looking