He pointed out to Alfgar and Hermann, who look upon him as a sort of demigod, all the capabilities of the place.

“A few more steps, and we shall see our friends,” said I; and we advanced until, from the summit of the pass, we saw the valley wherein they have found rest.

They had worked well during autumn and winter, and the land was well cultivated; the brook ran through the midst of the vale, which was bounded by low hills on either side, and clear from forest growth.

In the centre of the valley the brook divided, forming an island of about an acre of ground, containing several dwellings.  From the central one, which possessed a chimney, smoke issued, and told of the noon meat.

By this time our approach was discovered, and I saw my brother, with a few serfs, advancing to meet us.  It was a happy moment when we embraced each other again.  And then he saw Alfgar, and embraced him as a son.  They did not speak—­their feelings were too deep for words.  All that had passed since they last met must have rushed into their minds.  Then Herstan, the Lady Bertha, Hermann, Ostryth, and Alfreda, all had their turn.

“Pardon me, prince,” said I, when I introduced Edmund; “pardon brothers who scarcely expected to meet again.  Elfwyn, let me introduce the Etheling Edmund as your guest.”

“The Etheling Edmund!” repeated Elfwyn, with great respect; “it is indeed an honour which I receive.”

“The less said of it the better,” said Edmund.  “I am come to be one of you for a time, and am thankful to find a free-born Englishman to welcome me to the woods.  Never, by God’s help, will I return to the court so long as they pay tribute to the Danes.”

“It is true, then,” said Elfwyn—­“we hear scant news here—­that peace has been bought?”

“Yes, bought for thirty-six thousand pounds, by Edric’s advice.  I should like to know how much of the money he retains himself.  He is hand and glove with Sweyn.  But I purpose deriving one benefit from the peace, upon which the Danes do not reckon.”

“And that?—­”

“Is to train up an army of Englishmen who shall not be their inferiors in warlike skill.  In courage they are not their inferiors now.  Perhaps you will let me amuse myself by training your own retainers in their spare moments?”

“Most willingly.  I could desire nothing better,” said my brother, smiling inwardly at the enthusiasm of the young warrior.

The labourers had just returned from wood and field, and when Edmund was recognised he was greeted with vociferous cheers, which made the woods ring.

But I cannot describe the meeting of Alfgar with the mother and sister of Bertric; they were alone a long time together after the noon meat, and I saw afterwards their eyes were red with weeping; well, they were not all tears of sorrow.

On the whole it has been a day of deep happiness, hallowed rather than shadowed by the thought of Bertric, the circumstances of whose heroic death were only now fully known to his parents and sister.