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Updated: May 2, 2025
Now were we come across Parret, and began our journey into the fens. And presently we must ride in single file along a narrow pathway which I could barely trace, and indeed in places could not make out at all. And here the collier led, going warily, then came Wulfhere, and then Alswythe, with myself next behind her to help if need were. After us the maidens, and then the rest.
Whereupon the king laughed, saying that kings knew more than men gave them credit for, and so Wislac did homage, and sat down. Then Ethelwulf looked at Wulfhere, and said; "Wulfhere, my old warrior, I know not rightly what to do with you, for you are a lonely man, and I think that a place in my court would not suit you. Nor would you care to hold a manor in a strange place.
And with that those three leapt away into the darkness up the hill, leaving me to follow if I listed. That was not my way, however, and I ran on to Matelgar's hall. One stood at the gate. It was Wulfhere. Inside I heard the trampling of horses, and knew that they would be ready in time.
"No men here," said my comrade, "else would not yon birds be so quiet." But I could see no boat, and my heart sank somewhat; for nothing was there on this bank wherewith to make the raft of which Wulfhere spake. Then said I: "Let us swim over and see what we can find." Now it was three hours after noon, or thereabouts, and the tide was running out very swiftly, and it was a long passage over.
And when I left her I felt that I must indeed be strong for the sake of her, and by reason of her words, which would be in my mind ever. Now one day when I went to see the horses and ride out with Wulfhere and Wislac, the collier came and hung about, seeming to wish to ask somewhat.
And Wulfhere, too, shifted in his seat, as if impatient. Then they went back to the first proposal, and began to name places where men might be posted to keep the Danes in Parret valley at least, till they went away. Then at last Wulfhere grew angry, and rose up, looking very red. "And what think you will Parret valley be like when they have done their will therein?
Just behind me, as I rode with Wulfhere and Wislac to right and left, came my six men, big powerful housecarles, all in black armour and carrying red and black shields, and with a red cross on their helms' fronts. And the squarest of these six, he who seemed to be their leader, looked up at me, when I turned again, with a grin that I seemed to know.
"It is the war chime, not the matin bell, you shall hear this morning," said one of his brethren. "That is better mea culpa," said Guthlac, clapping his hand on his mouth to stop his own warlike ejaculation. Then came Wulfhere back, swiftly. Barely a mile were they from the hill, he said, and coming on quickly in loose order.
After that we rode in silence, and quickly, for the track was good. Now there is little to tell of that ride till we reached the hilltop that Wulfhere knew, and where we could look down on the land we were to cross, and fancy we could see Glastonbury far away.
But I thought there was yet light enough left for us to find our way across Sedgemoor, and lodge that night in safety in the village near the collier's hut; and so, too, thought Wulfhere when I, thinking that perhaps Alswythe's grief might find its own solace in tears when I was not by her, rode on beside him for a while.
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