“God bless you, my son,” said Dunstan, “and render unto you according to all you have done for His glory this day, and restore you your brother safe in body and soul!”
But it was not merely for a blessing that Alfred had sought the abbot.
“Father,” he said, “if I have happily been of service to you, I ask but one favour in return; one brother has sought your life, let the other remain with you as a bodyguard.”
“But your father?”
“I am satisfied that I am but speaking as he would have me speak.”
“But you will become an exile.”
“Gladly, if I can but serve you, father.”
“But, my child, I have no means of support for you abroad; as monks we shall find hospitality in every Benedictine house, but you are only a layman.”
“Then, father, I but ask you to allow me to accompany you to the coast.”
“I grant it, my son, for I believe God inspires the wish. Be it as you desire, but one of your serfs must accompany you; it would not be safe to travel home alone.”