Therefore, to you and yours am I friend always, so
that you shall ever think of me as friend first and king after. Nor is
it to everyone that I dare say that, Heregar, my friend."
And he took my hand also, as the atheling and Ceorle had taken it.
So was I fain to weep for very joy at all this that had come to me, and
must turn away for a little lest it should be seen.
Then the king spoke cheerfully, as on business.
"Now, Heregar, I have work for you to do in your home; for I would have
no man idle. Here is Watchet town burnt up, and no man left--for its
lord is slain--to see that it is built aright, and that each man, or
family, has his own again. Now, you knew that place well, nor is it very
far from you. Therefore shall you see to all that, and you shall have
writings from me to back you. But men must know that you yourself have
power there, and, therefore, I make you lord of all Quantock side, from
Watchet stream to Parret, and from the borders of your own land at
Cannington to Severn shore between those two. And this shall you render
in return for those rights: that you shall be ready at all times to bear
the standard of Wessex, against all comers from over seas, at my bidding."
Now that was the Dragon of Wessex of which the old witch spoke.
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