“The king—is it well with him?”
“He has fled with a small troop to the south.”
“Saw you aught of Elfric of Æscendune?”
“He fell in the last charge of the cavalry.”
“Dead?”
“We think so.”
“How is it that you have suffered yourselves to be beaten?”
“Had you been there it might have ended differently. We became the aggressors, and attacked a superior force, while they had all the advantage of ground.”
“Come in. You must first have some food and wine; then you shall tell me all. We may need your help here, and shall be glad of every able-bodied man.”
“More are on the road.”