Upon being answered, he entreated that a messenger might be despatched to the camp of the Earl of Evesham, to beg that a litter might be sent for him, and to inquire what had become of Cnut, whom he had last seen stricken down.
The monk replied, "My son, I grieve to tell you that your request cannot be complied with.

The army moved away yesternoon, and is now some five-and-twenty miles distant.

There is nothing for you but patience, and when restored you can follow the army, and rejoin your master before he embarks at Marseilles.

But how is it that a lad so young as you can have incurred the enmity of those who sought your life?
For it is clear from the pertinacity with which they urged their attack that their object was not plunder, of which indeed they would get but little from you, but to take your life." Cuthbert recounted the circumstances which had led to the feud of the Count of Brabant against him, for he doubted not that this truculent knight was at the bottom of the attack.
"After what has happened," the monk said, "you will need have caution when you leave here.

The place where you have taken refuge is known to them, and should this wild noble persist in his desire for vengeance against you, he will doubtless leave some of his ruffians to watch the monastery.