There is no man whom I have met in all the hosts in whose heart is not love and best thoughts of you.

Old days are forgotten as if they had never been, save that you led and conquered in the great battles beyond the Thames." He held out his hand to me, and took mine and gripped it, saying no word, and riding on in silence for a mile and more.

And after that he was of good cheer again till we came to Exeter, and there I stayed to see how fared my ships, for it was time they were in the water again.
Well had my men and the Saxon wrights wrought at building.

If all went like this, King Alfred would have a fleet that could sweep the seas from Dover to Orme's Head, and keep his land from new plunderers at least.
In a week I came back to Athelney, and there was good cheer, and all were in the best of heart, for things went well.

Messengers came and went across the winding paths from the southern hills, and Ethered met me laughing, and said: "The king has robbed you of your glory, Ranald.