That was only eight miles from us, and was the point which we would win.

Thence to Bridgwater is five miles, and the town was now held in force by the Danes; and where the road leaves the hills to cross the marsh to the bridge and town, two miles away, was a camp that guarded the causeway through the level.
We went quickly as a great host may, and Alfred had so ordered matters that even as we set out from Iglea, Odda and his force were moving in battle array from the Petherton heights on the Quantock side of the town, as if to attack it.

That was what Guthrum had looked for since the time we had beaten Hubba, and the only attack which could have seemed possible in any way.
It is likely that he overrated the number which Odda had with him; for those who escaped us at Combwich had not been near enough to see from the far side of the river how small our force was, and would make much of those who had been able to overcome their mightiest chief.

Moreover, since that time seven weeks had gone by, and the gathering of Devon might be greater yet.

So it was, indeed; but Odda had not a thousand men.