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Updated: June 11, 2025
I had spoken to neither since we came here. Towards dusk I spoke to Odda, and he gave me twenty men; and gathering all the vessels of any sort that would hold water, we climbed over the rampart next the marsh, and stole down to the nearest pool and brought back all we could, using helms and leathern cloaks and the like, for want of buckets.
All the boatmen, all the mariners far and near, thronged to him, with sail and shield, with sword and with oar. And on his way to Pevensey and Hastings from Flanders he would seem to have run outside, and at the back of the Goodwins, while the admirals of Edward the Confessor, Rodolph and Odda, lay fast in the Downs. His progress towards London was a triumphant one with his sons.
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.
Now these men would have followed me readily, and so I should have been very powerful at sea, or on any shore where I cared to land. But Odda had made me feel so much that I was one in his counsel, and a friend whom he valued and trusted, that I had made this warfare against the Danes my own quarrel, as it were in his company.
That blow went home, and the mighty Dane reeled and fell. One moment's silence, and then a howl from the Danes who watched, and they flew on us, bearing us back a pace or two. Odda went down under the rush that was made on him, and I called to my comrades, and stood over him, and beat them back. But Hubba's fall was the end.
And then Neot began to ask me a good deal about the old gods, as he called them. I told him what I knew, which was little enough maybe, and so said that Harek knew all about them, and that he should rather ask him. He did not care to do that, but asked me plainly if I were a Christian. "How should I be?" I said. "Odda is the first Christian man I have spoken with, to my knowledge.
"It is well if you pleased him, for he is a powerful man at court," said Odda. "I do not know if I pleased him, or if it makes any difference to me what power he has," I said carelessly. "If I want any man to speak for me to the king which is not likely I should come to you first." "Speak for yourself," laughed Odda, "that is the best way with Alfred."
We went quickly as a great host may, and Alfred had so ordered matters that even as we set out from Iglea, Odda and his force were moving in battle array from the Petherton heights on the Quantock side of the town, as if to attack it. That was what Guthrum had looked for since the time we had beaten Hubba, and the only attack which could have seemed possible in any way.
Maybe he wants your word with the king, because you know the ways of the viking hosts." "No," said I; "stay here. Whatever it is he has to say cannot be private; nor would I hear anything from him that you might not." "As you will. Let him come here," Odda said; and the man went out.
I think that a wedge bears this better than any other formation, for it is easy to stop the weapons that reach it. Our men were silent now, and I was glad, having known already what that meant; but the Danes began to yell their war cries. Then we were within ten paces of them, and I gripped shield and axe and gave the word to charge, and Odda answered it.
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