"I saw Osric and twenty of his men close round him and beat back the Danes for a moment: but I could not win to them, and so came back to you as you rallied us.

That was well done," he said again.
"I left when Osric came up.

Matelgar I saw not," I said.
"Osric saw you, though," answered Wulfhere, "and, moreover, knew you.
And I heard him cry out when he saw the white horse riderless; for the arrows were still flying, and he thought you slain, I think." Now I wondered if Osric would be wroth with me, thinking I had fought against his orders; but I had little time to think of myself, all my care being for Alswythe, who had lost home and father in one day; being left to Wulfhere, and me--an outlaw.
Then Wulfhere and I took counsel about flight, being troubled also about the holy women in this place; for the heathen would not respect the walls of a nunnery.

But for them we thought Osric would surely care.
Now there came to us as we stood and talked, a housecarle in a green cloak, and asked us if we had seen a warrior, wounded maybe, riding a great white horse, which, he added, had been Edred the Thane's, who was killed.
"Aye, that have I," said Wulfhere, "what of him ?" "Osric the Sheriff seeks him.

Tell me quickly where I may find him." "Is Osric back in the town ?" asked Wulfhere in surprise.
"Aye, man, and half the levy with him.