“Mercia has revolted, and proclaimed Edgar king.”
“The cause alleged?”
“I know not, my lord.”
“I can tell you,” said Redwald; “the banishment of the holy fox, Dunstan, and very shame prevents my adding that—”
“No more,” said Edwy; “I can guess the rest.”
He wished to spare Elgiva.
He walked up and down the hall several times. His festive air had gone.
“And on my wedding day, too,” he said. “Redwald, you knew this.”
“Yes, my lord, but I wished to spare my king upon his wedding day, still I have not spared myself. The necessary steps are taken, your immediate vassals are summoned, and my own men are ready to march; we will sweep these rebels off the field.”
“Elfric,” said the king, “you must be my right hand in the field: you will be ready to invade your native Mercia tomorrow. Think you your own friends are firm?”