As we armed we spoke more yet of flight, and haste, and so on, till the thrall must have deemed that he knew all our plans.

We had little more than our arms that we would take.  All that bright holiday gear I had bought in Norwich and Thetford, first against my home going, and then for this wedding that was to be, I left behind, taking only, in the little pack which Erling would carry behind his saddle, what linen one may need on a journey, and fastening my little store of jewels about me under my mail.  Little enough there was, in truth; but what I had was from Ecgbert or Carl, with one little East Anglian brooch, set with garnets, from the lost king himself, and these I would not lose.

Money I had in plenty for all needs and more, as may be expected of a warrior who has seen success with Carl.  Mostly that was in rings and chains of gold, easily carried and hidden, for a link of one of which I could anywhere get value in silver coin enough to carry us on for a fortnight or more.

Then we went round to the stables, leaving the place by the door away from the church, not minding who saw us go out.  We had no doubt at all that word would go to Quendritha that we were unhurt and away so soon as we were seen to come thence; whereon she would send to seek her man.

“I would your steed was not quite so easily known,” growled Erling to me as we crossed the open garth round the palace and entered what I call the street of small buildings which went toward the rear gate.  “He will be easily heard of.”

“When they find that we have not gone to the one side of Worcester, therefore, they will try the other,” I answered; “that is, if any take the trouble to follow us, which I doubt.”

“I doubt not at all concerning that,” said Erling grimly.  “Too well I ken the ways of Quendritha.  Neither you nor I who know the truth of her sending to this land may be suffered to tell that tale, if she can prevent it.”

The great skew-bald whinnied as I came to him, glad to see that I meant to take him out across the open country, and the grooms came in haste to see what I needed.  And as they saddled the two horses, Erling was watching all they did, and had his eye on the doorway from time to time.  But here it was peaceful enough, for the first turmoil of the morning had passed, and there were none but a few of the grooms about.  There was no man to ask us aught, and we mounted quietly, without seeming to find much notice from any.

Now, as I have said, the rear gate of the palace enclosure led toward Mercia, and we rode straight out of it, and away down the road, grass grown and little cared for, which the Romans had once made and paved for the march of their legions.  At first we went in leisurely wise, and then before we were fairly out of sight from the gate spurred away in haste.  And so we rode for two miles or so, into the heart of the woodland country, where the road became a mere track midway in the crest of its wide embankment.  Then we drew rein and took counsel as to whither next.