But now it seems to me that maybe he has some good reason to think that the throne might be or should have been mine.

Wherefore it is in my mind to seek the great King Carl, and learn what I can of his way of warfare, that presently, when the time comes, I may be the more ready to take that throne and hold it." "Why, then," said Thorleif, watching the face of the atheling, "I will tell you this from out of my own knowledge of Wessex.

If you learn what Carl can teach you, you will, if you can raise a thousand followers, walk through Wessex into Mercia, and thence home by East Anglia to London town, and there sit with three crowns on your head--the greatest king that has been in England yet.

For your folk know no more of fighting, though they are brave enough, than a herd of cattle.

But it will be many a long year before you know enough, and then you will need to be able to use your knowledge." "Can you tell me where to find Carl the king?
It may be that I have years enough before me to learn much." "Those who want to learn do learn," quoth Thorleif.