He had not written to me, but sent word by the Norseman that he did but wait for me to come for him, if I might.  If not he would come alone; but it seemed to him that we should have to part when we reached this side of the channel, for he must go to Gerent at once.

Next day Ina and the queen must needs pass to Taunton to see the place, for he said that when I might go for Owen depended on its readiness.  So we rode with but a small train, meaning, after seeing the fortress, to go on to Petherton for the night, which was quite a usual plan with the king nowadays, since all this building was on hand.

So we went round all the walls, and saw the new bridge across the Tone River, and then went into the hall that stood, as I have said, within the walls of the fortress itself.  There all was ready for the king, even to a fire on the hearth in the middle of the great hall, which was fully as large as that at Glastonbury itself.  I had not seen this house of late, and now the king would have me go all over it and tell him what I thought thereof.

Indeed, there was nought to say of it but good, for it would be hard to find one better planned in all Wessex, as I think, whether in the house itself, or about the buildings that were set along its walls without for the thralls and workshops, or in the stables and other outhouses.  It was indeed such a house as any thane would be proud to hold as his home.

Presently, therefore, after seeing all, the king and queen and I stood by the hearth in the hall again, and Ina asked me my thoughts of it.  And I told him even as I have written, that all was well done and completely.

“Why, then,” he said, “let me come and stay here now and then.”

I laughed at that.

“I have heard, my King, of house-carles who led their masters, but that is not our way.  Where the king goes the household follows, in Wessex.”

He laughed also, for a moment.

“Long may it be so,” he said.  “Nevertheless, I think that I shall have to be as a guest here now and then.”

Then Ethelburga smiled at my puzzled face, and spoke in her turn.

“Why, Oswald, it seems to me that you are the only man in all Wessex who does not know who is to live here.”

“It is always said that the king himself will make it one of his palaces, lady,” I answered.

Then Ina set his hand on my shoulder, and made no more secret of what he meant.

“I want you to bide here, my Thane, and hold this unquiet land for me.  There is not one who can better rule it from this fortress for me than yourself; and the house and all that is in it is yours, if you will.”

Then for a moment came over me that same feeling of loneliness that had kept me from taking Eastdean again, and with it there was the thought that I was not able to take so great a charge on me.

“How can I do this, my King?” I said, not knowing how to put into words all that I felt.  “I am not strong enough for such a post.”