The Dane was as near to us as the Wessex king, save by old comradeship, and the ties that had come with years.
So all that Edred and I could do was to bid the steward take his orders from Gunnhild, and so ride back to Bures along the riverside track.

And when we came there the long train of flying people were crossing the bridge, and we rode past them one by one, and the sight of those wain loads of helpless women and children was the most piteous I had ever seen.

Many such another train was I to look on in the years to come, but none ever wrung my heart as this, for I knew every face so well.

Yet I thought they would be safe, for the Danes were far off yet, and there was full time to gain the depths of the forest land on the East Saxon side.
Now, our people had gone on more quickly than the villagers by reason of better cattle and more hands to the work, and when we had passed the foremost of these, the road went up the hill and no man was upon it.

So we went quickly, and then came one on foot towards the village, and just beyond him were our folk, whom he had passed or left.
It was good Father Ailwin, our old priest, and I thought that he sought me, or took back some word to others and I would ride back for him.
"What is it, Father ?" I cried, "I will do your errand." "Nay, my son, you cannot," he said; "your mother drew me to fly with her, and my weakness bade me do it for a while.