They had doubtless scattered into the
villages beyond.
So the time went idly, and the sun rose, while yet the tide fell and the
ships lay beneath us. Smoke, as of cooking fires, rose from their decks,
and they were evidently in no hurry. Nor need they be. In those days we
had no warships such as our wise king has made us since then, and none
could harm them on the open water.
In an hour's time, however, there came a change over the sea. Little
waves began to curl over it, and when the sun broke out it flashed
bright where the wind came over in flaws here and there. Then from each
ship were unfurled great sails, striped in bright colours, and one by
one they got under way, and headed over towards the Welsh coast, beyond
channel. The tide had turned.
"They are going," said I, with much gladness.
One of the men shook his head.
"They do but slant across the wind, master. Presently they will go about
and so fetch the Wessex shore again, and so on till they reach where
they will up channel."
We watched them, and while we watched, a man came up from the west,
heated and tired out, and limping with long running as it seemed. And
when he saw me he ran straight to me, and thrusting a splinter of wood
into my hand, cried in a panting voice:
"I can no more--In the king's name to Matelgar of Stert--the levy is
at Bridgwater Cross.
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