Now she sought the chapel, and found refuge in prayer. She had found
refuge many many hours of that eventful day, but especially since
Redwald had borne the news of the imminent battle.
At length the long suspense was ended. Redwald was seen riding at full
speed towards the castle, followed by the long-expected messenger.
"Victory! victory!" he cried; "the rebels are defeated; the king shall
enjoy his own."
"But Elfric, my son! my son!"
"Is safe: and will be here in a day or two, perhaps tomorrow."
"Thank God!" and the overcharged heart found relief in tears--happy
tears of joy.
The messenger who followed Redwald brought detailed accounts of the
event. According to his statements it appeared that the king had broken
through the hostile entrenchment, and had scattered their forces in the
first attack. The messenger particularly asserted that he had seen
Elfric, and had been charged with the fondest messages for home, where
the youth hoped to be in a few days at the latest, seeing there was no
longer an enemy to fear.
The hearts of all present were filled with thankfulness and joy.
"Come, my beloved Edith," said the old thane. "Let us go first to thank
God;" and they went together to the chapel which had witnessed so many
earnest prayers that day--now, they believed, so fully answered.
All gloom and despondency seemed removed, and Ella went forth to walk
alone in the woods, to meditate in silence on the goodness of God.
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