And when I heard of danger that must be skirted she would tell me that none would dare molest the queen--that she would declare herself and all would be well.
And seeing that of all hostages to Cnut the queen would be the most valuable, that plan would be fatal.

I will say this now, that more than once I was obliged for very safety's sake to give wayside folk, among whom we were, to understand that the abbess was crazed through the long troubles, believing herself a queen.
And, alas for our land! it was but too easy for them to believe it.
Few there were who knew not some wretched ones crazed at that time by all that had befallen them.
Well it was for us that the nights were clear and warm, and that the good Surrey and Hampshire franklins' wives were compassionate and hospitable.

I could not now retrace our footsteps, for we could go by no road at times, but must take to the woods and downs.
And ever when we did so the queen rode sullenly, and angry with all around her, while Eadward and I and the two priests, who were valiant men enough, were ahead, scenting danger everywhere, for we had many a narrow escape of meeting raiding Danes.

The stragglers of that mighty host were everywhere.

I think that had we fallen into such hands I should have tried to send a man in all haste to the nearest post of the thingmen, that we might be taken again by warriors at least.
But the ladies bore the long journey well, and Elfric's nuns the best.