And they sum up all the reasons for the headway they made against us till Alfred, our wise king, taught us to meet them in their own way.
So once more I felt the grip of Osric's hand on mine, and I left him, with a heavy heart indeed, but with a new hope for myself and for Alswythe, in the end.
I stood for a moment before I turned out of the marketplace, eating a loaf I had taken from the table as I passed, and watching the men gather, spiritless, for this new fight.

On many, too, the strong ale had told, and it was a sorry force that Osric could take with him.
But I might not stay, and was turning to go, when I saw one standing like myself and watching, close by.

It was my host of Sedgemoor, Dudda the Collier.

And never was face more welcome than his grimy countenance, for now I knew that I had found one who, in an hour, would take Alswythe into paths where none might follow, and that, too, on the nearest road to Glastonbury.

There is no safer place for those who would fly, than the wastes of Sedgemoor to those who know, or have guide to them, and there no Danes would ever come.
So I stepped up to him and touched him, and he grinned at seeing a known face, muttering to himself, "Grendel, the king's messenger." And as I beckoned he willingly followed me towards my destination, asking me of the fight, and what was on hand now so suddenly.
I told him shortly, finding that he had been drawn from his own neighbourhood by curiosity, which must be satisfied before he went back.
And I told him that now the Danes were close on Bridgwater, and that I must bear messages to Eanulf the Ealdorman.