So I came to Bridgwater, bringing terror with me, as men gathered what
had befallen from my haste. Yet I stayed for none; but went on to the
nunnery.
CHAPTER IX. IN BRIDGWATER.
Two of Wulfhere's men were by the gate, lounging against the sunny wall;
but they roused into life as they heard the clatter of my horse's hoofs,
and came to meet me and take the bridle, as was their duty. They knew
who I was well enough; but thralls may not question the ways of a thane,
as I was yet in their eyes, though outlawed. Yet they asked me for news
of the fight, and I told them--lest they should raise a panic, or
maybe leave us themselves--only that our men stood against the Danes
on Cannington Hill, and that beyond them the invaders could not come.
And that satisfied them.
I was doubtful whether to go in at once and seek audience with the
prioress, or wait until some fresh news came in; for now I began to have
a hope that our men would sweep down the hill on the Danes and scatter
them in turn, even as they had themselves been overborne. So for half an
hour I waited, pacing the road before the nunnery, while I bade the men
see to my horse; but the place was very quiet, being on that side the
town away from the fight, so that any coming thence would stay their
flight when the shelter of the houses was reached.
Pages:
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132