The main body of the army left its quarters on the right bank of the Avon, at the same hour in which Edwy left Aescendune to join them on their march and they proceeded in safety all through the morning.  At midday they lay down to feed and to rest, and while thus resigning themselves to repose, with the guards posted carefully around, the sound of cavalry was heard in the distance, and shortly the royal party appeared.  Elfric was alert to receive them, but could not conceal his surprise when he saw their diminished numbers, and perceived the absence of Redwald.

Edwy saw his look of embarrassment, and hastened to reply to the question it conveyed.

“They are left at Aescendune, fifty under the command of Redwald, to fortify the house until we return.  You must go home this time, and you need not fear, for I have been a very saint at Aescendune, and they are expecting Dunstan will speedily return and canonise me.  Elfric, I have used my sanctity for your advantage, since I have represented you as sharing it at least in some degree.”

“I fear me, my father is too wise to be so easily deceived.”

“Nothing of the kind; he really seemed to believe in it; at all events, I have promised you shall return with me.”

“Did they really seem to wish to see me?”

“They did really, especially your brother Alfred.”

Elfric started as if an arrow had struck him.

“Alfred.  Alfred!” he said.

“Yes, why not Alfred?”

“And you saw him alive and well?”

“To be sure, why not?  Did you think he was dead.”

Elfric became confused, and muttered some incoherent answer, but he rejoiced in his very heart; he felt as if a mountain were removed from him, and a sweet longing for home, such as he had not felt since a certain Good Friday, sprang up in his mind, so strongly that he would have gone then and there, had circumstances permitted.

Alas, poor boy! his wish was not thus easily to be gratified:  he had sinned very deeply—­his penance had yet to be accomplished; well has the poet written: 

“Facilis descensus Averno . . . .  Sed retrograre gradum, superasque evadere ad auras, Hoc opus—­hic labor est.” [xxvii]

The midday halt concluded, the troops resumed their march for Alcester, where they hoped to arrive about nightfall, and to surprise Edgar and his few followers.  All that afternoon they proceeded through a dense woodland country; and the evening was setting in upon them, when suddenly the scouts in front came galloping back, and gave the startling information that entrenchments were thrown up across their path, and that a large force was evidently entrenched behind.

At first Edwy could scarcely believe the report; but Cynewulf, the experienced commander upon whom, as we have said, the real command of the force devolved, rode forward, and soon returned, having previously ordered a general halt, and that entrenchments should be thrown up for their own protection during the night.