t the standard
of Wessex by the king himself, and I bore it to the great church, there
to be blessed in the bearing thereof.

And there stood Ealhstan himself in his robes, having come even that
morning for this very purpose. And that was pleasant, and even as I
should have most wished. Moreover, my friends, and Alfred, and Ceorle
stood by me as if for shield wall at that time, and I was well attended.

Now betimes, in the afternoon, came Alfred the Atheling to me as I sat
with Ceorle, talking of the arms of the vikings, and asked me to come
and speak with friends of his, who would not see him save he brought me.

And at that Ceorle laughed, saying that they must be of importance if
they would deny the prince an audience, making conditions. And Alfred
said very gravely that they were so, and maybe the only people, save the
king and queen, who might delay seeing him.

So I was curious to know who these were. But we left Ceorle still
laughing. Then Alfred took me to the abbey, and sent one of his men to
say we had come, who, when he returned, bade us into the presence of
these people.

When we came to a great door, in a part of the abbey where I had not
before been, he took my arm, and pushed me in first, saying that he
would ensure himself a good reception; and there sat Ealhstan, and
beside him stood Alswythe, smiling at me, and with a little colour in
her face.

CHAPTER XVIII. PEACE IN THE LAND.

Now of the wedding in the great church I knew very little, save that I
had Alswythe beside me, and that Ealhstan married us. And that was all I
cared for, heeding naught of the rest.

But the king and the queen were there, and many thanes, while the
atheling must needs be a groomsman with my friends, and Ceorle gave away
the bride on the king's behalf. There, too, was Eanulf, looking very
noble in his court array, beside the king. And the little page in blue
and silver who held Alswythe's dress was none other than Turkil,
"Grendel's friend" as Alfred called him, whom Alswythe had begged the
bishop to bring with him.

There also was Dudda the Collier, clad beyond knowledge by Wislac,
holding my helm and sword, and the lay brethren, mail clad for the last
time, with the white cross painted on their shields and helms. Lustily
did they join in the chanting.

Osric only was not there, but on Alswythe's neck and arms shone
presently wonderfully-wrought collar and bracelets of gold that he had
sent, having had them