I would give a year's revenue if we could do so, for it may be a long time
before news comes to Gurth's ears. He may possibly hear of the annihilation
of Oswald's force, for any Welsh woman taken captive might mention that in
triumph, but they would certainly say nothing of such a grievous blow to
the Welsh cause as the capture of Porthwyn and the death of Llewellyn in an
attempt to recapture it. Gurth, therefore, naturally supposing that we had
been involved in Oswald's disaster, may abandon all idea of moving against
this place until the greater part of the country was reduced to obedience."
"I see, Beorn, that the difficulty of a messenger getting through would be
indeed enormous; the Welsh must know that we are but a small band, and that
our first aim would be to communicate with Gurth. You may be sure,
therefore, that they will keep a vigilant guard all round the place at
night to see that no messenger makes his way out. Our two interpreters do
not know anything like enough Welsh to pass as natives, none of our people
know a word of the language, it would be sending anyone to almost certain
death. I think we must be content to depend upon ourselves. Gurth is sure
to learn the news sooner or later, for it will make a great stir all
through the country. I have just seen Llewellyn, he is very sorely wounded.
I think it would be a good thing to let the Welsh know that he is in our
hands, it will render them more chary of attacking us.
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