He said this with a slight sneer.
“I cannot go there; I would die first.”
Edwy started at the tone of deep feeling with which the words were said; he knew nothing of the rencontre of Elfric with his brother.
“Still I think that I must spend this coming night there, and I will try and act the Christian for the occasion: perhaps I may do you a good turn, while I renew my acquaintance with your people.”
In his very heart Elfric wished that Edwy might never arrive there, yet he knew not what to say.
“Well,” said the prince, observing his hesitation, “you may go on with Cynewulf and the main body of the army, which will cross the Avon higher up, and I will make excuse that your duties detain you. I must go—I have special reasons, I wish at least to secure the fidelity of the few—and Redwald will accompany me; we join the army on the morrow, without losing any time by the move.”
And so the matter was settled.
CHAPTER XV.
THE ROYAL GUEST.
It was the morning of the first of August, and the sun, dispersing the early mists, gave promise of a bright summer day.
The inhabitants of Æscendune, lord and vassals alike, were astir from the early daybreak; for that day the harvest was to be commenced, and the crops were heavier than had been known for many a year. A good harvest meant peace and prosperity in those times, a bad harvest famine, and perhaps rebellion; for if the home crop failed, commerce did not, as now, supply the deficiency.