He could sees ten ships now. That meant at least five hundred Vikings.”
-- Narrator (chapter 1)

Importance: Edgar is aware that Combe is being attacked by the Vikings. He quickly sounds a warning which undoubtedly saves some lives, including those of his mother and brothers. The fact that he can do the math to figure out how many Vikings are attacking is one of the early signs of Edgar's intelligence at a time when few have any education at all.

She did not want the farm, he could see; she did not trust him. But there was desperation in her eyes, for she had nothing else.”
-- Narrator (chapter 2)

Importance: Wynstan has offered Mildred a vacant farm in Dreng's Ferry. She hopes to get her out of Combe so that she cannot create problems for Wynstan and his brothers. Mildred's reaction is an indication of her knowledge – she understands that this is not an unselfish gift meant to...