Then, after having spent four days in Alfred's court, he went away.
The six months passed away and he did not return.

Alfred sent a messenger into Wales to ascertain the reason.

The messenger found that Asser was sick.

His friends, however, had advised that he should accede to Alfred's proposal to spend six months of the year in England, as they thought that by that means, through his influence with Alfred, he would be the better able to protect and advance the interests of their monasteries and establishments in Wales.

So Asser went to England, and became during six months in the year Alfred's constant friend and teacher.