“But, my lord,” said Alfred, “may I ask but one favour, that you will permit me to proceed and relieve the anxiety of my people with the tidings of your approach?”
“If you must leave our side, such an errand would seem to justify you. Poor Elfric! I remember him well. I could not have thought him in any danger from Redwald.”
“Redwald is his, is our bitterest foe.”
“Indeed,” said Edgar, and proceeded to elicit the whole history of the case from Alfred.
The sad tale was not complete till they reached the battlefield, and encamped in the entrenchments the young prince had occupied the night before the combat.
“We had intended,” said Edgar, “to march at once for London, owing to news we have received from the south, but we will tarry at Æscendune until the work is completed there, even if it cost us our crown.
“Nay, Siward, I may have my way this once. I am soldier enough to know I may not leave an enemy behind me on my march.”
“But a small detachment might accomplish the work.”
“Then I will go with it myself; my heart is in it. But, Alfred, you look very ill; you cannot proceed tonight. When did you sleep last?”
“Three nights ago.”