If they might not reach their ships, and became penned in on Stert, they were lost--every one, for none might cross the deep ooze.
"Not this time, Heregar.

Remember, when the time comes," she said.
And I paid no heed to her.

For now horses were galloping riderless along the road and into the fields.

And men were crawling back from the fight, to fall exhausted in the rear, and then--then the steadfast line of the scarlet-cloaked Danes charged down the hill, driving our men like sheep before them.
"Up and to your work!" said the crone, pointing towards Bridgwater; and I, who had already made two steps, with drawn sword, towards that broken, flying rabble, remembered Alswythe, and turned away, groaning, to hasten to her rescue.

For it was, as Wulfhere had said, all that I could do.
Swiftly I went, turning neither to right nor left along the road, hearing always behind me the cries of those who fled, and the savage shouts of the pursuing vikings.