Wulfhere understood my silence, and then decided for me.
"You have hearkened to me before, master, and now I will speak again.
Get you to your place of last night on Combwich Hill, and there look on
the fight; or, if it be nearer this, find such a place as you know.
Then, if there is victory for us, all is well: but if not, you could not
aid with your one strength to regain it. Then will Alswythe need you."
"I would fain fight," I said, still doubting.
"Aye, master; but already have you done well, and deserved well of the
sheriff, and of all. He bade you fight not today--let it be so. There
is loyalty also in obedience, and ever must some bide with the things
one holds dear."
"I will do as you say," said I shortly, and so I turned and went.
He stood and looked after me for a little, and then he too hurried away
towards the cross. Then I skirted round the town, and waited at that
place where I had met with the old woman, until I saw the van of our
forces marching down the road towards Cannington. These I kept up with
by hurrying from point to point alongside the road, as best I might.
They were a gallant show to look on, gay with banners and bright armour.
Yet I had heard of the ways of armies, and thought to see them marching
in close order and in silence.
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