It was good to feel the cleared air again, and to smell the scent that rises after rain, and to hear the song of the birds break out around us.
Yet on every face was a fear that would not be put aside.

Men thought that the earthquake boded ill for the journey of the king and what might come thereof.
So when the rain had passed we rode away after the king, followed by the pack horses, and before noon caught him up.

He had heard then what had happened to set his steed beyond control, and his face was grave also.

Even he could not help fearing that the earthquake, coming at that moment as it did, might be sent as a token which he must hear though the dreams of his mother went for naught.
"And yet," he said to Father Selred and myself as we rode beside him, "I am doing what I deem best for throne and realm, and I have no thought of guile or harm to any man.

Nor can I see that I have to fear any from Offa, or that at his court can be danger to me." "Journey and reason therefor are alike good so far as man can see or plan," said Selred the priest.