So, if you will do the bidding of the dead who has wronged you, but would now make amends, shall you thank me for this hereafter--aye, and not you only." Then out over Parret he gazed again and faded from beside me, so that I could ask him nothing.

Then knew I that I was awake, and that this had been no dream; for a great fear came on me for a little, knowing what I had seen to be not of this world.

Yet all around me my comrades slept, and only round the rim of the trenched hill went the wakeful sentries, too far for speech--for we leaders were in the centre of the camp.
But presently I began to think less of the vision, and more of the words.

And at first they seemed vain, for Combwich hill was over near to Stert; nor did I see how I could reach the place without cutting through the Danes (who would doubtless leave a strong guard with the ships, and were also in and about Bridgwater), seeing that the river must be crossed.
Then as I turned over the matter, not doubting but that a message so given was sooth, and by no means lightly to be disregarded, I seemed to wake to a resolve concerning the meaning of the whole thing.

What if I could win there under cover of darkness, and so fall on the Danish host as Eanulf drove them back and the bishop and Osric chased them to the ships?
That seemed possible, if only I could cross Parret with men enough, and unseen.