It is time that the horses came back from the water." We passed through the church and went stable-wards, among all the idle and half-terrified thralls and servants; and when we came to the long stables with their scores of stalls, there was talk and wonderment enough among the grooms.

Gymbert was nowhere to be found, and the other thane, who took his place and gave the orders when he was busy, had gone out with his horses, and had fled with the Anglians, it was said.

None seemed surprised that they should have gone hastily, but the going of the king's horse thane was a wonder.
However, all that was good hearing to us, and I went to see what horses had returned.

It was plain that Witred's plan had worked well, for only those which the ladies had ridden, the pack horses, and our own had been brought back.

The young king's steeds were both in the stable where Offa's own white chargers were kept.
Somewhat late the breakfast call sounded, and I went back to the hall, not by any means wishing to seem put out by the flight of the Anglian party, as Carl's messenger.