"Do you find some barn at Chesterton over the water, and leave two or three men to watch for my coming.

Thrand and Guthorm may come with me." Then they grumbled at my running into danger, but I would be obeyed, though I must let them bide on this side of the ford.
We were but seven miles from Stamford town, and we went back at a hard gallop on the good turf alongside the paving of the Roman way.
It was in my mind to see Eadmund and leave him at once, before Streone knew that any man had come into the town, if I could.
The bridge was barred, and the gates were too high to be leapt; but the guards were sleepy, and would not let me through, until I bade them open in the king's name.

Then they did so, and we rode clattering up the street to the great hall.
There was bustle enough when I beat on the courtyard gates, for the place was stockaded, and there was a strong guard inside.

Presently they opened the wicket, and the captain looked out angrily enough.
He began to rate us, but I cut him short.
"I am Redwald," I said, "and I must see the Atheling without delay." The officer knew me well enough then, and let us in.
"You cannot see the Atheling, thane," he said.

"It is as much as my life is worth to disturb him." "I will do it myself, then," I said.