.

PEACE IN THE LAND.
Now of the wedding in the great church I knew very little, save that I had Alswythe beside me, and that Ealhstan married us.

And that was all I cared for, heeding naught of the rest.
But the king and the queen were there, and many thanes, while the atheling must needs be a groomsman with my friends, and Ceorle gave away the bride on the king's behalf.

There, too, was Eanulf, looking very noble in his court array, beside the king.

And the little page in blue and silver who held Alswythe's dress was none other than Turkil, "Grendel's friend" as Alfred called him, whom Alswythe had begged the bishop to bring with him.
There also was Dudda the Collier, clad beyond knowledge by Wislac, holding my helm and sword, and the lay brethren, mail clad for the last time, with the white cross painted on their shields and helms.