It was from the aunt of Alswythe, the Prioress of Bridgwater, telling of her safety and that of her nuns, at Taunton.

And I begged the bishop to let me tell this good news to Alswythe, and so gained speech with her once more.

Yet would the abbess be present, reading the while; but I might tell my love all that had befallen me, and she rejoiced, bidding me go fight and win myself renown in the good cause of my own country.
And when I left her I felt that I must indeed be strong for the sake of her, and by reason of her words, which would be in my mind ever.
Now one day when I went to see the horses and ride out with Wulfhere and Wislac, the collier came and hung about, seeming to wish to ask somewhat.

And when I noticed this and bade him speak, he prayed me that I would give him arms, and let him follow me to the coming fighting.
Arms, save those I wore, I had none, but I promised him such as I could buy him with what remained of the money I had found, which might be enough, seeing that we lived at free quarters with the bishop, and had little expense.

As for the other money, I left that with the abbess after I had seen Alswythe, for it was less mine than hers.
But I asked Dudda if he were able to use a sword.