That is not what we need. We have to trap them and beat them
here."
"So then, Wulfhere," I said, "think you that the plan is good?"
"Aye," he answered, "good enough; but not easy. Moreover, I doubt if the
bishop would let his standard bearer part from him."
That was likely enough to stop all the plan; but yet I would lay it
before Ealhstan, for it seemed to us that such a message might by no
means go untold at least.
So we sought him, and asked for speech with him; and at that he laughed,
saying that surely his council had the best right to that. Osric was
with him, and the bishop told him how that we three had been his first
advisers in this matter.
Then we sat down and I told Ealhstan all, asking nothing.
When I had ended, Osric looked at me, and said that the plan was
venturesome; but no doubt possible to be carried out, and if so, by none
better than myself, who knew every inch of that country. Then, thinking
over it, as it were, he added that the woods beyond Matelgar's hall
would shelter any force that must needs seek cover, so that, even were
Combwich hill unsafe, there was yet a refuge whence attack could again
be made.
Then Ealhstan, who had listened quietly, said that such messages were
rare, but all the less to be despised.
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