“Thou goest? Whither?” cried Egwina in surprise.
“Thou wottest, maiden, dost thou not, that I am or have been a serf in the house of Guthrum?”
“Yes, I know,” answered she.
“Since I was but ten years old,” continued the Saxon, “have I been serf to Guthrum. Twelve long years in bondage to the Dane! Now I have my freedom at last.”
“But how cometh it that now thou hast it after all these years?”
“I will tell thee, maiden. When I was but a lad of ten, and Guthrum brought me to his house as bondsman, Hilda was but five years old. I had had a little sister in mine own home, younger still than Hilda. The baby girl eased the pain and homesickness in my bereaved heart, and Hilda would have none but me attend her. So as she grew, grew also the bond between us, until it was not as bondsman, but as brother, that I ministered to her. Long ago could I have had my freedom, for I saved the money until there was enow, but Hilda clung to me, and for her sake, because none cared for her as I did, I stayed. Guthrum knew of it—knew that I forebore to take my freedom when I could because of Hilda. He loved her, and that I was gentle with her did gladden his heart. Yesterday in the presence of witnesses he called me and made me free!”
“And now, Siegbert, what doest thou?” asked Egwina.
“No man will I own as lord save the Saxon king,” answered Siegbert. “Gladly would I live where I could partake of his wisdom and learning. Oh!” he cried with more passion than Egwina had as yet seen him exhibit, “Oh, that I could be learned!—learned as those men with whom I have heard that he surrounds himself! But what could I give in return? He has no daughter requiring my care, and there is naught else that I can do!”
“Why not go to Alfred, and tell him of thy desire?” said Egwina simply. “He is wise and good, Siegbert. Thou wottest not how good unless thou hast partaken of his bounty. It grieveth his heart that learning is not more sought after by the youth. Many are there who care for naught but the chase and hunt. Canst thou hunt, Siegbert?”
“None better,” answered the young man, briefly. “Expert are the Danes with bow and arrow. They teach the youths to excel in such weapons; leaping, running, wrestling, even as with the Saxons, are sports in which they delight, but naught of wisdom’s lore teach they. For one short year only was the cup of knowledge presented to my lips. Fain would I have partaken longer of the draught, but that it was rudely dashed from my lips, and now, ere I again partake of it, do I set forth to find if any there be who know aught of my grandfather or sister. I wot not if they be dead or living. I was taken from them so long ago.”