"Saw Sir Rollo aught of thee?"
"Nay, lord, we lay well hid."
"'Tis very well. Are they many?"
"Of horsemen I counted full three thousand, master."
"And I, lord," quoth Ulf, "did reckon over two thousand foot."
"'Tis a fairish company!" said Sir Brian.
"And I do lack my sword-arm!" sighed Sir Benedict, "but my left hath served me well ere now."
"And Sir Pertolepe lieth yet in Winisfarne!" said Beltane thoughtfully.
"Aye," nodded Sir Benedict, "and shall march south to cut off our retreat if haply any of us escape Sir Rollo's onfall."
"So should we strike camp and march forthright," said Sir Brian.