“’Tis a virtue that can be cultivated,” said the girl gayly as she looked at the embers which she carried in an earthen vessel. “Here we are, Ethelred, and for thy pleasant words thou shalt hold the embers until I need them.” She gave the vessel into his hands, and sank down before the great heap of brushwood which had been gathered for the beacon.
“Almost,” said she solemnly, “do I feel like offering a sacrifice on this fire that all may end as my father doth desire.”
“It would not please him, sister, to have aught rendered that savored of heathenism,” said Edward. “Here are some fine twigs for the starting.”
Ethelfleda took them.
“Now, Ethelred, the coals,” she called. They were given her in silence, and the girl carefully fanned the embers until the fine stuff ignited. Then she arose and the four stood and watched the flames as they caught twig after twig creeping up, up, until finally the whole pile became a blazing mass which leaped and crackled, darting tongues of flame higher and higher until the surrounding wood was ruddy in the glare. The figures of the four were silhouetted against the light in bold relief, and so, standing out against the background of those dark ages, have the pictures of those four come down to us.
On the morrow Ethelfleda’s own hands buckled the sword round Ethelred’s waist, while Edward chafed that he must remain.
“But another year and I too should go,” he said, appealing to Egwina for sympathy. “O Egwina, dost thou not think that my father would let me go? A little year! What is it that it should make a difference?”
But Alfred turned a deaf ear to their pleadings, and Edward was forced to the inactivity of a non-combatant. The forces left with high hopes. Listlessly the lad wandered about, unable to occupy himself. At last he sought Egwina’s side.
“I cannot content myself here,” he said, “while yonder the battle may rage. ’Tis custom for women and maidens to follow from afar, why not for youths also? Wilt thou go with me, Egwina, to watch the issue of the fray?”
“Gladly, Edward,” answered Egwina rising, “if thou wilt promise that thou wilt not rush into it.”