Again and again our men charged, but the Danes
stood in a great ring which never broke, although it wavered once or
twice, until we were wearied out, and then they swung into line and
swept us off the field. Until we learn to fight as they fight, we are
weaker."
Then I began to fear for Alswythe, and asked him what guard was left for
the hall, and again he shook his head.
"Myself, and five others--not the strongest--and a dozen women, and
three boys, thralls."
I knew not what to say to this; but the wise old man had already thought
of a plan in case of danger. And in this, he said, I could advise him,
for he was a stranger.
"Horses enough are left," he told me, "and if the Danes come to
Bridgwater, and are not beaten off, I shall mount the Lady Alswythe and
the women, and take them to a safer place. But whither?"
I told him at once of the house of a great thane beyond the Quantocks,
easily reached by safe roads through the forest land, where Danes would
not care to follow, and he thanked me.
Then he said that I might well try to join the levy; but that it was
possible that it would be hard for me. And I told him that if I could
not manage it I would join in the fight when no man would question me,
and that seemed possible to both of us.
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