I stood for a moment before I turned out of the marketplace, eating a loaf I had taken from the table as I passed, and watching the men gather, spiritless, for this new fight.  On many, too, the strong ale had told, and it was a sorry force that Osric could take with him.

But I might not stay, and was turning to go, when I saw one standing like myself and watching, close by.  It was my host of Sedgemoor, Dudda the Collier.  And never was face more welcome than his grimy countenance, for now I knew that I had found one who, in an hour, would take Alswythe into paths where none might follow, and that, too, on the nearest road to Glastonbury.  There is no safer place for those who would fly, than the wastes of Sedgemoor to those who know, or have guide to them, and there no Danes would ever come.

So I stepped up to him and touched him, and he grinned at seeing a known face, muttering to himself, “Grendel, the king’s messenger.”

And as I beckoned he willingly followed me towards my destination, asking me of the fight, and what was on hand now so suddenly.

I told him shortly, finding that he had been drawn from his own neighbourhood by curiosity, which must be satisfied before he went back.  And I told him that now the Danes were close on Bridgwater, and that I must bear messages to Eanulf the Ealdorman.  Would he earn a good reward by getting me and some others across Sedgemoor by the paths along which he had led me?

And at that he grinned, delighted, saying, “Aye, that will I, master,” seeming to forget all else in prospect of gain.

So I bade him follow me closely, and soon we were back at the nunnery gates.

They were open, and inside I could see the horses standing.  Wulfhere was waiting for me, looking anxious; but his brow cleared as he saw me, and he asked for the news, saying that he feared I had fallen into the wrong hands.

Then I told him I had, as I thought, no more to fear, showing him the sheriff’s ring and telling him of my errand.

“That is nigh as good as inlawed again,” he said gladly.  “Anyway, you ride as the sheriff’s man now.”

Then his face clouded a little, and he added, “But Glastonbury is a far cry, master, for the roads are none so direct.”

Then I called the collier, and Wulfhere questioned him, and soon was glad as I that I had met with him, saying that in an hour we should be in safety.  But he would that the prioress and her ladies would come also, for he knew that Osric’s fears would be only too true.  Then must we go and tell Alswythe of the journey she must make; and how to tell of her father’s death I knew not, nor did Wulfhere.  And there we two men were helpless, looking at one another in the courtyard, and burning with impatience to get off.

“Let us go first, and tell her on the way” said he.

But I reminded him that we were here even now, and not on the far side of the Quantocks, because she would by no means leave her father.