"
"Then we will travel early in the morning; and doubt not, Alfred, we
shall arrive in time to chastise this insolent aggressor. Redwald has
been my poor brother's evil spirit in all things; he shall die, I swear
it," said the precocious Edgar, a man before his time.
"But, my lord," said Alfred, "may I ask but one favour, that you will
permit me to proceed and relieve the anxiety of my people with the
tidings of your approach?"
"If you must leave our side, such an errand would seem to justify you.
Poor Elfric! I remember him well. I could not have thought him in any
danger from Redwald."
"Redwald is his, is our bitterest foe."
"Indeed," said Edgar, and proceeded to elicit the whole history of the
case from Alfred.
The sad tale was not complete till they reached the battlefield, and
encamped in the entrenchments the young prince had occupied the night
before the combat.
"We had intended," said Edgar, "to march at once for London, owing to
news we have received from the south, but we will tarry at Aescendune
until the work is completed there, even if it cost us our crown.
"Nay, Siward, I may have my way this once. I am soldier enough to know I
may not leave an enemy behind me on my march."
"But a small detachment might accomplish the work."
"Then I will go with it myself; my heart is in it. But, Alfred, you look
very ill; you cannot proceed tonight. When did you sleep last?"
"Three nights ago.
Pages:
219
220
221
222
223
224
225
226
227
228
229
230
231
232
233
234
235
236
237
238
239
240
241
242
243